mardigan
11-21-2007, 03:29 PM
HOLMES RETIRES FROM NFL
Priest Holmes has retired from the NFL, ending his brief comeback with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Flanked by family members and Chiefs president Carl Peterson, Holmes officially announced his decision on Wednesday afternoon during a news conference at Arrowhead Stadium.
Holmes said: "I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to play in the National Football League."
"I will be forever grateful to the Hunt family and the Chiefs organisation for the opportunity to come to Kansas City, where the community embraced me from day one."
Holmes retired exactly one month after making his season debut on October 21 against the Oakland Raiders, completing an improbable return from multiple neck and head injuries which sidelined him for two years.
However, Holmes suffered another neck injury in last Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and decided to call it quits after meeting with doctors this week.
Holmes was injured on a tackle by San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman on October 30 2005.
A three-time Pro Bowl running back, Holmes sat out all of the 2006 season and was not placed on the active roster this season until mid-October.
But Holmes made his way back into the starting line-up after Chiefs star running back Larry Johnson was injured during a 33-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers on November 4.
The 34-year-old proved particularly effective in starting Kansas City's last two games, rushing for a total of 120 yards on 39 carries.
From 2002-04, Holmes amassed 66 total touchdowns, an NFL record for a three-year span.
Holmes added: "I have been humbled by the tremendous support that I have received from Chiefs fans over the years."
"I was grateful to be part of a Super Bowl team in Baltimore, but I will always fondly remember my time in Kansas City and the many great players and coaches that provided me an opportunity to be successful."
Signed in April 2001 after spending his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Holmes rushed for 5,933 yards and 76 touchdowns in 61 games with the Chiefs.
In 11 seasons, Holmes has rushed for 8,172 yards and 86 touchdowns.
His best season was 2003, when he ran for 1,420 yards and 27 touchdowns.
"In the business of the NFL we are privileged to sometimes be in the presence of a magnificent athlete," Peterson said.
"We're also privileged to sometimes be in the presence of a magnificent person. Priest Holmes exemplifies both individuals.
"Priest has given this organisation all he could possibly give. He has been an outstanding player, team-mate and contributor on and off the field."
http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/07/11/21/GRIDIRON_USA-Kansas_City.html
Priest Holmes has retired from the NFL, ending his brief comeback with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Flanked by family members and Chiefs president Carl Peterson, Holmes officially announced his decision on Wednesday afternoon during a news conference at Arrowhead Stadium.
Holmes said: "I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to play in the National Football League."
"I will be forever grateful to the Hunt family and the Chiefs organisation for the opportunity to come to Kansas City, where the community embraced me from day one."
Holmes retired exactly one month after making his season debut on October 21 against the Oakland Raiders, completing an improbable return from multiple neck and head injuries which sidelined him for two years.
However, Holmes suffered another neck injury in last Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and decided to call it quits after meeting with doctors this week.
Holmes was injured on a tackle by San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman on October 30 2005.
A three-time Pro Bowl running back, Holmes sat out all of the 2006 season and was not placed on the active roster this season until mid-October.
But Holmes made his way back into the starting line-up after Chiefs star running back Larry Johnson was injured during a 33-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers on November 4.
The 34-year-old proved particularly effective in starting Kansas City's last two games, rushing for a total of 120 yards on 39 carries.
From 2002-04, Holmes amassed 66 total touchdowns, an NFL record for a three-year span.
Holmes added: "I have been humbled by the tremendous support that I have received from Chiefs fans over the years."
"I was grateful to be part of a Super Bowl team in Baltimore, but I will always fondly remember my time in Kansas City and the many great players and coaches that provided me an opportunity to be successful."
Signed in April 2001 after spending his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Holmes rushed for 5,933 yards and 76 touchdowns in 61 games with the Chiefs.
In 11 seasons, Holmes has rushed for 8,172 yards and 86 touchdowns.
His best season was 2003, when he ran for 1,420 yards and 27 touchdowns.
"In the business of the NFL we are privileged to sometimes be in the presence of a magnificent athlete," Peterson said.
"We're also privileged to sometimes be in the presence of a magnificent person. Priest Holmes exemplifies both individuals.
"Priest has given this organisation all he could possibly give. He has been an outstanding player, team-mate and contributor on and off the field."
http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/07/11/21/GRIDIRON_USA-Kansas_City.html