RB Priest Holmes stays evasive on his future in NFL

[Bill Lundberg]

RB Priest Holmes stays evasive on his future in NFL
Written by: Tom Orsborn ¦ 4/13/2007
Source: www.mysanantonio.com
Despite being Marshall's defensive linchpin during the Rams' run to the 1991 Class 5A Division II title game, end N.D. Kalu never sat on the bench to rest when the offense took the field.
Kalu's reason for standing when he could have been taking a much-deserved breather was simple: He didn't want to miss Priest Holmes in action.

"I was always on my feet watching him because I knew he was going to do something spectacular," Kalu said. "Every game, he always had at least one magical run. Some backs have only one all season. Priest had at least one every game.

"And I didn't want to miss any of them."

Now a member of the Houston Texans, Kalu continues to track Holmes. And like other fans of the Texas alumnus, Kalu wants to know whether Holmes will attempt a comeback with the Kansas City Chiefs after missing all of last season and the final nine games of the 2005 season with a neck injury.

But when it comes to revealing his plans, Holmes has proved to be just as elusive as he was during high school.

"I've known the guy for over 15 years and he won't give me a straight answer," Kalu said.

Although the odds are against Holmes playing again, he hasn't filed retirement papers with the NFLPA, a union spokesperson said Friday. And close friends and family members say they remain in the dark about Holmes' plans.

"I've stopped imposing on him," Holmes' stepfather Herman Morris said. "He's very elusive when it comes to this. He seems not sure about it himself."

That indecision surprises many observers. After all, Holmes turns 34 in October and doctors have told him he faces permanent damage if he plays again.

Then there's the difficulty he would face gaining a roster spot on a team deep at running back with Larry Johnson, the league's second-leading rusher last season with 1,789 yards, and Michael Bennett.

But Kalu noted Holmes has bounced back from career-threatening injuries before, including three knee injuries and a hip displacement.

"He's resilient," Kalu said. "He never gives up. He's had four injuries to the same leg and that didn't stop him. I remember when I tore my ACL how tough it was to come back. I love football, but I told myself if that ever happens again, I'm giving this up."

Holmes, who was unavailable for comment, is the Chiefs' career leader in rushing yards (5,933), touchdowns (83) and yards from scrimmage (8,293). A 10-year veteran, he spent his first four seasons with Baltimore and has career numbers that include 8,035 rushing yards and 94 TDs. His 66 TDs between 2002-2004 are an NFL record for a three-year span.

Holmes' contract expires after the 2009 season. He restructured the pact in March 2006 to give the club salary cap relief, lowering his base salary from $3.75 million to $710,000. He's scheduled to earn $870,000 in 2007.

"If he does retire, Priest, his agent and (Chiefs general manager) Carl Peterson would probably work out some kind of settlement," Chiefs spokesman Josh Looney said Friday.

But Looney said the Chiefs haven't ruled out Holmes attempting a comeback even though he hasn't attended any of the team's voluntary offseason workouts.

Morris said Holmes' last medical examination came last month in Miami and that Holmes said it went "pretty well."

"We certainly would welcome him back to active status if he is medically cleared," Looney said. "We're waiting for word from him on what he wants to do .... Until we hear something, we will assume he is still training in San Antonio."

Holmes' San Antonio-based personal trainer Bay Bay McClinton said Holmes' workouts this year have been spotty.

"He has worked out some, but it's not been consistent," McClinton said. "He last worked out with me last month but only for a couple of days."

Still, McClinton estimated it would take only two months for Holmes to get into shape for training camp, which starts in late July.

But Morris suggested Holmes might want to continue spending time with his four children. Holmes isn't scheduled to make a public appearance until May 5, when he will be inducted into the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame in Waco.

Such a venue might seem like a perfect spot for a retirement announcement, but McClinton and Kalu predicted Holmes would stay mum.

"I don't think he owes anyone a quick answer," Kalu said. "He just has to wait and see how his body feels."
http://www.mysanantonio.com RB Priest Holmes stays evasive on his future in NFL

[Mecca]

Larry Johnson doesn't have 7 productive years and the Chiefs sign these extensions for 6-7 years, the odds of it being similiar are pretty likely.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Larry Johnson doesn't have 7 productive years and the Chiefs sign these extensions for 6-7 years, the odds of it being similiar are pretty likely.

I think he does. He's going to defy the odds.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Retire already, damn.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Larry Johnson doesn't have 7 productive years and the Chiefs sign these extensions for 6-7 years, the odds of it being similiar are pretty likely.

depends on how you define productive? If you mean 1700 yard seasons, no of course not.

id say a couple more of those followed by seasons of 1000-1300 yards for the rest of his career...

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by TRR

Comparing the TE position after 30, to the RB position after 30, isn't even comparable. You can play the TE position well into your mid 30's. The RB position? Not so much.

i don't know ....... Tightend is turning into more of a speed position lately.

to me, only QB and Oline are really the only positions that are safe above the age of 30.

[kcxiv]

Originally Posted by Laz

true ...... but if you were the Chiefs wouldn't you want some money back?

Holmes signed a contract with a signing bonus amount based on him playing 7 years. He played 3( or 4??).


Half the play, Half the signing bonus


can't blame the Chiefs for that either

if i were the Chiefs FO, yes i would want the money back, or at least some of it. Being Priest, i think its worth it to hold out for so long to see what happens. Its not hurting him 1 bit. Buisness is buisness. I think alot of fans fail to see this. To use its a game, but to them its their jobs, and it stopped being a game after high school.

[Mecca]

I get annoyed with running into people who really think he's coming back.........

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by Mecca

I get annoyed with running into people who really think he's coming back.........

why?

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by stevieray

why?

I know people who really think he's coming back and is going to be what he was in 2003......and make comments like "He should start over LJ when he comes back"

Ponder that for a minute.

[kcxiv]

I really dont think people beleive that. I hang around here, and in another Chiefs forum and i dont know anyone like that. I know people that think he can be productive, but not what he was back in 2003

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Mecca

I know people who really think he's coming back and is going to be what he was in 2003......and make comments like "He should start over LJ when he comes back"

Ponder that for a minute.

Priest never had a season with as many rushing yards as LJ has had the past 2 years..........Your absolutely right.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by kcxiv

I really dont think people beleive that. I hang around here, and in another Chiefs forum and i dont know anyone like that. I know people that think he can be productive, but not what he was back in 2003

Maybe informed fan on the forums doesn't but think of average Joe fan you run across........

[crazycoffey]

Originally Posted by Mecca

I get annoyed with running into people who really think he's coming back.........

not trying to annoy you, I think he could come back. I don't pretend to think he will regain his prior form, nor do I think he should play ahead of LJ, but a good third and long, spell back.

He hasn't filed retirement papers, he is still getting medical opinions on what is happening, he obviously still wants to, but is concerned about the long term effects. I don't blame him for that.

but if there is a player that could come back in this postition, he is the one who could, that's for sure.

[Mecca]

If it meant keeping about 7 million dollars opposed to paying it back I wouldn't be filing any papers either.....

[crazycoffey]

Originally Posted by Mecca

If it meant keeping about 7 million dollars opposed to paying it back I wouldn't be filing any papers either.....

seven million? I haven't heard that number. but I also doubt he has that type of character to hang on to hope just for some extra money. Nacho's are pretty inexpensive.