Priest Holmes to Announce Retirement at 12:30 CST Press Conference

by Joel Thorman on Nov 21, 2007 11:33 AM CST in 2007 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

Well, it looks like these rumors the past 24 hours are beginning to come to fruition. The Priest Holmes era looks to be over almost as fast as it was re-started. The Kansas City Chiefs will hold a press conference today at 12:30 to announce the retirement of Priest Holmes.

Per ESPN:

"After the third [hit]," a source close to Holmes told ESPN.com on Wednesday, "it was like Priest thought, 'Maybe this is God's way of telling me this is it.' [Coach) Herm Edwards asked him, when he came out after the third hit, if he could go back in, and it was like, 'Uh, let me think about this.' He kind of knew that was the message that this was it for him."

Certainly the end of an era. If this is indeed the end of the road for the Minister of Offense, then it's been one hell of a ride. For the record, Priest ends his career with 1,780 carries for 8,172 yards and 86 touchdowns. But Priest wasn't a one dimensional player, he also ends his career with 339 receptions and 2,962 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. Priest came to us in 2001 at the beginning of the 'Vermeil Years' and stormed through the NFL record books, specifically his then record setting 27 touchdown performance during the 2003 season in which the Kansas City Chiefs finished 13-3. Thanks for the memories Priest.

As always, please leave any updates in the comments thread and I'll update this post after the press conference. Kind of puts a damper on your day, doesn't it?

Update: The official Chiefs site has reported on Priest Holmes' retirement, thus making it official. A commemorative post on Priest will be coming up soon. I can't believe the ride is over.

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Comments

Its

kind of a shame, because Priest did look quicker and more agile than ever. Kolby time boys, and I see a big upside to this kid. I'll make the call, over 100 yards in the Faiders game, there it is.
Brodie, 250 plus yards, 2 TD, 1 PIck.

xX Ram-Bowe Xx

by D Thomas on Nov 21, 2007 12:11 PM CST reply actions

Fuck Merriman

and his roid-assisted shenanigans. He should be civilly liable for ending Priest's career...Holmes should sue his ass.

by PVChiefsfan on Nov 21, 2007 12:13 PM CST reply actions

it's a shame Chris isn't around today...

to talk smack about Priest on his way out the door
oh well, thanks for all the memories Priest...at the very least, I sure won't be retiring my #31 jersey anytime soon

on a related note, my fantasy football season is now officially over

by stag on Nov 21, 2007 12:33 PM CST reply actions

Well

I did say that I would eat my words if Holmes took the field. He did and I even said I thought he was a better fit than LJ with our current o-line.

I was fantasizing about Priest running into the end zone and doing his little hand gesture dance but I can't now.

Good luck to Priest in his future endeavors. He was one of the greatest Chiefs.

by Chris Thorman on Nov 22, 2007 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks Priest!

You were a blast to watch.

by geekfather on Nov 21, 2007 12:35 PM CST reply actions

It's harder the 2nd time around

by Joel Thorman on Nov 21, 2007 12:41 PM CST reply actions

I wish him well.

Regrettably it was just a matter of time. Its really different running behind Waters and the Four Stooges

by sm7600 on Nov 21, 2007 12:43 PM CST reply actions

Priest

It was awesome watching Priest run when he was at his best. It was almost enough to bring a tear to your eye watching that o-line pull on a sweep and set up a wall as Priest turned the corner and glided in for another touchdown.

Brodie...UNLEASHED!

by Pauli on Nov 21, 2007 1:00 PM CST reply actions

LJ

has got nothing on this man what a class act!

by Eric @ Arrowhead Pride on Nov 21, 2007 1:04 PM CST reply actions

Sad too...

LJ could have learned so much from Priest on how to be an A class NFL player. Too bad.

by geekfather on Nov 21, 2007 1:36 PM CST up reply actions

Leave some good memories

of Priest here. I'm putting together a post on him and need you guys to jog my memory on some of the good times.

I remember his 27th touchdown in 2003...a sweep to the left hand side (as usual) and he slowed a couple yards out and did his little Priest shuffle on the way in.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 21, 2007 2:14 PM CST reply actions

Adam at Arrowhead Addict

has video of Priest's retirement announcement.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 21, 2007 2:41 PM CST reply actions

don't remember who it was against

but i think it was Herm and his Jets, where Priest was running a sweep to the left, met a couple defenders and I think its one of the few times I've ever seen a running back instead of going low, go airborn, almost straight up, not diving forward. It was amazing, both defenders were lowering their shoulders and Priest kinda split them while looking like he was crouching as he sailed through the air.

Another favorite memory of mine was a couple years ago, first game of the season, Priest had a huge run the first play, and the second, and the next play they brought in LJ, and he had a huge play for a score. 3 big 20+ yard plays, with the end result a TD. Almost like the beginning of LJ's era, but Priest was leading the way.

What a great runningback. Such a shame it had to end this way and not with him being the MVP of the Super Bowl. Best of luck Priest.

by Chiefs n Chopper on Nov 21, 2007 6:15 PM CST reply actions

I remember

Jets game which we won 27-0 or something like that. LJ ended up with over 100 and it was the first time I realized we may have a legitimate back-up on our hands.

I'm trying to think of what play you are talking about when Priest split the defenders going airborne.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 21, 2007 6:20 PM CST up reply actions

a great memory of Priest

comes for me in this last game.

Taking the ball to the outside, defense comes right up to him and Priest sets him down, making sure he won't forget who drilled who.

That's going out in style.

Big Bear

by bigbearomaha on Nov 21, 2007 11:04 PM CST reply actions

I remember

Priest was going to the endzone left side and there was one defender in front of him and he jumped over the guy it looked as if he was kicking the guy in the ass as he went over.I think it was Donkeys or Faiders not sure though there were alot of TD'S with Priest!

by Eric @ Arrowhead Pride on Nov 21, 2007 11:14 PM CST reply actions

Rumor

is that Lamont Jordan could be released by Oakland.He asked to be released after being benched the last two weeks.There is that NY connection there.He managed to survive with Herms offense in NY,could he land here?

by Eric @ Arrowhead Pride on Nov 22, 2007 12:24 AM CST reply actions