Richard Oliver
Publication: My San Antonio
Date: May 6, 2011
Former star NFL running back Priest Holmes is still on the lookout for defensive linemen and safeties. Only now, he’s not trying to escape them.
Holmes, who retired in 2007 after a decorated career with the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, is president of the recently formed San Antonio-Austin chapter of the NFLPA Former Players Association.
The group, which conducted its first meeting Dec. 1, has located more than 40 NFLPA dues-paying members in the area. Organizers believe there are at least 100 additional athletes living in and around San Antonio and Austin.
“It’s great to find players and get them back in the network, get them connected,” said Holmes, 37. “There are some successful players in the community doing some great things.”
The former Marshall High School and University of Texas standout is spearheading the project even as he plays an active role in working through the ongoing labor dispute affecting the league. Holmes was part of a small group of former NFL notables, including Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller, to sue the league in order to join current players in their antitrust battle with the league.
Holmes was among the plaintiffs in seeking class-action status on behalf of former players, asking that the lockout be erased in order to protect their health benefits and pensions.
“It impacts all of us,” he said of the mess between owners and players. Holmes notes that several players with whom he has communicated, most ages 30-70, are already cashing in NFL pensions that are as low as $200 a month — and needing every penny of it.
By bringing in as many former players as possible into the fold of the NFLPA San Antonio-Austin chapter, Holmes and vice president Bill Bradley, along with other officers, feel they can be the conduit for information regarding league doings and more proactive leaders for community outreach and support.
