Holmes ends comeback with retirement
CHICAGO: Three-time Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes of the Kansas City Chiefs ended his remarkable comeback by announcing his retirement from the National Football League on Wednesday.
Holmes had returned to training camp with the Chiefs in July after being sidelined with head and neck injuries for almost two years following a devastating hit by San Diego's Shawne Merriman on October 30, 2005.
He suffered a neck injury in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and decided to end his fairytale return after discussions with team doctors and officials.
"I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to play in the National Football League," Holmes, 34, said in a statement. "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."
Holmes ended his glittering career with the Chiefs as their all-time leader in rushing yards (6,070), rushing touchdowns (76) and total touchdowns (83).
He accumulated 8,172 career rushing yards in 11 seasons, with Baltimore from 1997 to 2000, and Kansas City from 2001 to 2007, the highest total by any undrafted player since the AFL-NFL merger.
Holmes, who earned a Super Bowl ring with Baltimore in 2000, was named the NFL's offensive player of the year in 2002 after rushing for 1,615 yards in just 14 games.
Agencies
(China Daily 11/23/2007 page23)
