Priest Holmes ends career due to neck problems

November 22, 2007

Priest Holmes was forced to announce his retirement Wednesday after suffering a second serious neck injury.

He finishes with 86 rushing touchdowns after 1,780 attempts for 8,172 yards.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 21 -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes Wednesday announced his retirement after suffering a second serious neck injury.

The 34-year-old Holmes returned to the field this season for the first time since suffering head and neck injuries Oct. 20, 2005, and was re-injured last Sunday against Indianapolis.

The injuries caused the former rushing champion, a three-time Pro Bowl choice, to miss the end of the 2005 season, and all of 2006.

ESPN reported he was told by Chiefs President Carl Peterson Tuesday to go home to sleep on his decision.

Wednesday, he announced his retirement at a news conference.

"I will be forever grateful to the Hunt family and the Chiefs organization for the opportunity to come to Kansas City (and) have been humbled by the tremendous support that I have received from Chiefs fans over the years."

He finishes with 86 rushing touchdowns after 1,780 attempts for 8,172 yards, and a franchise-best 76 touchdowns.