Schefter: Priest Holmes returning

[55CrushEm]

(July 25, 2007) -- Unpredictable stories go to training camp along with players. But none can be any more unlikely than this: While Michael Vick will not be at training camp, it now looks as if Priest Holmes will.

Chiefs players are now telling each other that, after nearly two full years away from football to nurse a spinal injury, the 33-year-old Holmes has been given medical clearance to play and he is planning to participate in this summer's training camp.

Running backs Michael Bennett and Larry Johnson, to name two players, are aware of Holmes' plans. Holmes' agent, Todd France, declined comment.

There also are other strong signs pointing to a Holmes comeback. With camp kicking off Friday, Holmes still has yet to inform anyone in the Chiefs organization that he plans to retire. The feeling within the organization now is that he will attempt to resume his career.

If he does, he would be on the field Friday, while the embattled Vick is not.

"Priest is counting on our roster right now as an active player," one Chiefs official said recently.

Nor does it seem as if it will change anytime soon. Holmes' return, if it indeed happens as now is expected, makes sense on a number of levels.


Priest Holmes hasn't played since hurting his neck in October of 2005.
For starters, Holmes is a player that has been counted out his entire career. Many, once again, thought he would be unable to return from his neck injury.

But Holmes repeatedly has defied odds throughout his career, whether it was going from an undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl running back, or coming back from other injuries that others thought he might not be able to overcome.

Holmes also never filed retirement papers; nor does he have any plans to do so any time. Holmes has been feeling better, good enough to attempt what many thought to be an unlikely comeback.

And if Holmes returns, it also provides the Chiefs with an additional dose of leverage in their contract disagreement with Johnson, who has one year remaining on his current deal.

Johnson and the Chiefs are at least $14 million apart in guaranteed money, and the total might even be as high as $17 million. Each side appears to be entrenched in its stance, and Johnson intends to skip camp until he has a new contract.

With Holmes healthy and on the field, the Chiefs would have, if nothing else, a slightly higher degree of security at the running back position. They still would not know whether Holmes would be able to make it to and through the season, but they would have a back that has produced like few others in NFL history.

It all creates an intriguing storyline, one few expected. In a year when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's two biggest issues have been dogfighting and "making it rain" -- and who could have predicted that -- there now is another unlikely storyline shaping up in Kansas City.

Training camp is on Holmes' radar; it is not on Vick's.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10268502

[dragondawg]

hmmm interesting

[Atwater His Ass]

I think this would be a mistake for Holmes. He could end up very seriously hurt if he tries. I think in the best interest of his health and the rest of his life, he should just leav'em hung up.

[Inkana7]

I hope he doesn't go out and hurt himself permanantly. He's had a good career, why risk further injury?

[Smiling Assassin27]

best of luck to him. guy's always been a hard worker.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Respect to Priest. As much as I hate the Chiefs, Holmes is a great player and a dedicated hardworker. If he thinks he's good to go and won't further injure himself, then I'm all for the guy trying to make it happen once again.

Maybe he can take his starting role back from that racist, crybaby bitch.

[bronco militia]

ha ha...

"**** you, LJ"

signed,

King Carl

[Popcorn Sutton]

ha ha...

"**** you, LJ"

signed,

King Carl

:spit:

[broncosteven]

If he does comeback I wish him the best of health, I thought his showboating into the endzone was lame but I prefer Priest over LJ.

[Hotrod]

ha ha...

"**** you, LJ"

signed,

King Carl

LOL

Diaper boy aint feeling so tuff now Ha!

[That One Guy]

Last I heard was last year when they said that if he took a hit on the lump he had, he could be paralyzed. You don't screw with stuff like that, I hope he doesn't regret it...

[broncosteven]

Last I heard was last year when they said that if he took a hit on the lump he had, he could be paralyzed. You don't screw with stuff like that, I hope he doesn't regret it...

My guess is that he either washes out at TC or actually makes the team and takes the risk. I give him credit for wanting to play, shows heart. Heart is lacking in pro sports today. I just hope he does the right thing by him and his family.

[Hotrod]

Now all they need is Roaf and Montana to give it another shot

[Tom A Hawk]

Now all they need is Roaf and Montana to give it another shot
LOL
Now that is funny.... even to a Chiefs fan.

[boltaneer]

I thought both Priest and Trent Green should call it a career for safety reasons but if doctors think they're good to go, then who are we to disagree? I'm sure they've looked at Priest's situation very carefully.

It does make the LJ situation interesting though. I'm very interested to see how well the Chiefs handle this.

[55CrushEm]

If he does comeback I wish him the best of health, I thought his showboating into the endzone was lame but I prefer Priest over LJ.

Agreed......with Priest, you get the holding both arms out to his side, as if to say, "Look at me."

With LJ, you get the butthole sign with his hands.

Take your pick.....

[redrage]

Not sure if this is all that good of idea. Been out of the league for a couple of seasons, O-line not what it use to be, QB position not what it was, chance for a very damaging injury....Can't say that I understand the logic behind this one. must be for $$$$$$$.

[Beej]

Now all they need is Roaf and Montana to give it another shot

Montana? Why? Don't they have Jeff George now? ;)

[ZachKC]

This is a pretty good run down on the Holme's situation. To me at least.

It was fun watching him go to work for my team. He did a lot of special things.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/columnists/jason_whitlock/story/181461.html

Jason Whitlock -----



The interview and subsequent column series I did with and about Larry Johnson sparked the typical feedback: People bashed Carl Peterson; people questioned Larry’s grammar and contract demands.

The interview/columns also ignited a steady stream of Priest Holmes questions.

Chiefs football fans are extremely reluctant to let go of Priest Holmes. He’s like Jimmy Hoffa’s body — everybody wants to see it again, dead or alive. Chiefs fans want a definitive “No, I’m never playing again” statement from Priest Holmes, and they’re not going to quit asking me and others about Holmes until they get one.

Priest Holmes has no intention of playing tackle football again. Matter of fact, Priest probably has no intention of playing flag football again. Let me take it a step further: Priest won’t play Xbox football again.

Not without a new contract, something that is highly unlikely for a running back who will be 34 in October and has a history of getting injured almost every football season.

That’s all just opinion. Priest never told me that. It’s just my read of the situation. That’s been my read since Holmes was spotted in a suite munching nachos during a 2005 game. Priest is done with football. The game gave him all he ever wanted — a free trip to the University of Texas, a Super Bowl ring and $15 million to $20 million. Game over.

The constant medical evaluations of his neck and spine are simply steps in a dance he must do with the Chiefs to protect the signing bonus he received before the 2003 season. Had Holmes announced his retirement after the 2005 season, Peterson probably would’ve asked for a prorated portion of Holmes’ $10 million signing bonus. So Holmes got a doctor’s note, and his absence is excused. Oh, it’s also frustrating.

It’s my contention that many NFL running backs/players (fullback Mike Alstott being a prime example) play with similar or worse spine/neck conditions than the one that is keeping Holmes off the field.

It’s also my belief that most NFL players are foolish and continue to play with dangerous injuries because their biggest fear is getting a real job and losing the spotlight.

I respect Holmes’ decision to walk away. He never had a real interest in hogging the limelight. He didn’t let his ego or a desire to make the Hall of Fame keep him in the game. He weighed the risks, spotted Larry Johnson approaching in the rearview mirror and exited the highway. Smart move.

Holmes executed a plan to land a large contract. The plan wasn’t totally honorable — it included an agent switch and a public-relations ploy/T-shirt vending company (Team Priest) initially disguised as a charity organization — but Holmes gave everything he had on the field.

He didn’t cheat Lamar Hunt or Chiefs fans, scoring 83 touchdowns in 61 games.

In retrospect, Priest Holmes was a bargain. Let’s see whether the Arizona Cardinals get 83 touchdowns out of Edgerrin James, who will earn $25 million in three seasons with the Cardinals.

The lone complaint about Holmes is that he never pretended to love Kansas City. It was always just business with Holmes. After he was injured against San Diego, he never rejoined the team and supported his teammates from the sideline or in practice. Holmes disappeared and went on with his life.

He was the original Roger Clemens of football, a reminder that big business interferes with the tradition of teamwork. Holmes was a mercenary, a contract runner.

Rather than worry about Holmes’ football plans, we should wish him well in retirement and hope that financial concerns never force him to consider a comeback. He put on a great show and earned every penny Lamar Hunt gave him.

[dragondawg]

i guess its incase LJ might hold out

[ZachKC]

But in the end who knows? Crazy things happen in this league.

http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2007/07/25/12/60-priestholmes.embedded.prod_affiliate.81.jpg

[Steve Prefontaine]

It is a shame that Priest wasted away in Baltimore for all those years and then had his career shortened because of injuries. In his prime he was the best at his position.

I would like to see Priest return, but only if he is cleared by the best back/neck/spinal specialists in the world. I would hate to see this guy get seriously injured. IMO, he really has nothing left to prove.

[Bob]

But in the end who knows? Crazy things happen in this league.

http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2007/07/25/12/60-priestholmes.embedded.prod_affiliate.81.jpg

True, but it is just so hard for RB's to make a come back at 33 after an injury -- I am trying to think of a few who was able, and make an impact? Marshal Faulk perhaps? Running Backs are 90% spent by 30 unless you can dance like Barry -- sad but true.

[ZachKC]

True, but it is just so hard for RB's to make a come back at 33 after an injury -- I am trying to think of a few who was able, and make an impact? Marshal Faulk perhaps? Running Backs are 90% spent by 30 unless you can dance like Barry -- sad but true.
I agree.

It isn't something I expect or am banking on. I don't think anyone is. I thought we had all moved on from Holmes.

I will say this though. If it can be done by anyone...he would be the one to do it. It seems like every time someone tells him he can't do something he does it. He lives off that ****.

[Crushaholic]

If the Chiefs want to trade Larry, they are suddenly in a more powerful position to do so.

[philiptr2]

Maybe I will tune in to watch "Hard Knocks." Could turn out to be a very interesting camp in River Falls.

[bronco militia]

somebody update the thread title:

PRIEST IS RETURNING

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that running back Priest Holmes will report for training camp after missing all of the 2006 season with a neck injury.

Holmes informed G.M. Carl Peterson of his decision on Wednesday.

"For myself, I think without question by what Priest Holmes has contributed to this franchise, he deserves the right and opportunity to play again for the Chiefs," Peterson said in a release. "He wants to do that and we’re going to afford him that opportunity. From a personal standpoint, certainly I have said many times that I would never count this player out like so many did after his hip surgery. He's a very unique human being, a very unique talent and I think he will prove some people wrong again. We are going to take it slow to gauge and monitor where he is every day, but there’s no question that if Priest Holmes is close to what he was before his injury, he'll make a significant impact on the offensive side of the football."

If healthy, Holmes gives the Chiefs a great insurance policy in the event that Larry Johnson follows through with his plans to hold out, giving the team greater leverage in the negotiations. It'll therefore be interesting to see how these two guys get along if/when L.J. shows up.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Didn't Priest invest his money wisely or something? 33 year old injured RBs who haven't played for a couple of years don't have much of a chance of ever playing again.

[bronco militia]

it's not like he shredded a knee or two.....

[ZachKC]

Holy ****.

[bronco militia]

Holy ****.

ha ha



"HOLY ****"

signed,

Larry Johnson

[Bronco_Beerslug]

it's not like he shredded a knee or two.....No, he injured his spine, or rather Merriman did, much better.

And thinking about he's had season ending knee injuries too, that and a hip injury.

[cmhargrove]

I wonder what dollars Priest would be playing for.

If he gains them 6-8 mil worth of leverage on Johnson, surely it would be worth giving Priest 2-3 mil of that. Maybe Priest is just showing us what a gooid businessman he is...

I liked Priest, class act, great runner. Still have nightmares of him running behind Roaf with his hand on his a$$ waiting until they made it past the linebackers, then he would make his cut and go to town.

[bronco militia]

No, he injured his spine, much better.


well, what other 33 year old RB's with a spinal injury are you refering too? I'm not sure there is one.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

well, what other 33 year old RB's with a spinal injury are you refering too? I'm not sure there is one.There are none. That's the point.

[ZachKC]

ha ha



"HOLY ****"

signed,

Larry Johnson

Possibly, I have said all along I believe a deal with LJ will get done. Both sides need each other too much. But this is a strange ass wrench to throw into this team. I really don't know what to make of it.

But lets assume a few things...and trust me...I understand they are giant assumptions. LJ signs a deal. And Holmes is healthy.

The thing with both of them is they are getting run to death. It is like they fix each other's problems.

I have no idea how it will pan out. But I think it will be good for HBO's ratings. And hopefully in some way good for our team.

[bronco militia]

Possibly, I have said all along I believe a deal with LJ will get done. Both sides need each other too much. But this is a strange ass wrench to throw into this team. I really don't know what to make of it.

But lets assume a few things...and trust me...I understand they are giant assumptions. LJ signs a deal. And Holmes is healthy.

The thing with both of them is they are getting run to death. It is like they fix each other's problems.

I have no idea how it will pan out. But I think it will be good for HBO's ratings. And hopefully in some way good for our team.

sure...

but I'm sure Carl can't wipe that **** eating grin off his face.....god damnit

[ZachKC]

sure...

but I'm sure Carl can't wipe that **** eating grin off his face.....god damnit

Crazy situation. If this were to pan out I can't imagine a better situation to take the pressure of Croyle and let him develop. He may end up being the big winner in all of this.

[bronco militia]

Crazy situation. If this were to pan out I can't imagine a better situation to take the pressure of Croyle and let him develop. He may end up being the big winner in all of this.


ugh

that would suck

[DukeWoody]

"Stay down b****"
















J/K He has medical clearance so all the power to him...However this is not going to stop the racist:Whaaaa!: from getting his money,or a trade to another team to get paid...This is just a small gamble for some added depth incase the racist holds out...

[Hotrod]

I just cant see how productive Holmes could really be at this point.

[12th man]

Possibly, I have said all along I believe a deal with LJ will get done. Both sides need each other too much. But this is a strange ass wrench to throw into this team. I really don't know what to make of it.

But lets assume a few things...and trust me...I understand they are giant assumptions. LJ signs a deal. And Holmes is healthy.

The thing with both of them is they are getting run to death. It is like they fix each other's problems.

I have no idea how it will pan out. But I think it will be good for HBO's ratings. And hopefully in some way good for our team.


If Holmes is healthy and could run somewhat like his old self, would Johnson even want to play in KC? Wasn't he pouting a couple years ago because he wasn't starting and he had to share with priest? Maybe LJ will just want to be traded.

[Atwater His Ass]

Big if here too, but if it gets to the point where LJ signs and Holmes somehow can push for a starting job or at least significant minutes, LJ will be unhappy and he will make a stink out of it, just like he did when he rode the pine behind Holmes.

[ROYC75]

Now all they need is Roaf and Montana to give it another shot

Hilarious! Stop that ..... yur making me laugh about my Chiefs.

Seriously, PH should have stayed away and not be given a clean bill of health. It's rigged, he is screwing around with a spinal injury in his neck and head.

Maybe this is just a plot by Carl to get LJ to sign and sell more tickets.........
Yeah, that's it, Carl is the debil.......:thumbs:

[Hotrod]

Hilarious! Stop that ..... yur making me laugh about my Chiefs.

Seriously, PH should have stayed away and not be given a clean bill of health. It's rigged, he is screwing around with a spinal injury in his neck and head.

Maybe this is just a plot by Carl to get LJ to sign and sell more tickets.........
Yeah, that's it, Carl is the debil.......:thumbs:

Well well well Royc where the heck have you been hiding?

[ROYC75]

Well well well Royc where the heck have you been hiding?


Hanging out, work, back therapy, etc. Just trying to get better.........

[Hotrod]

Hanging out, work, back therapy, etc. Just trying to get better.........

Hopefully all that is going well and you can enjoy watching the games and drop in for alittle smack fest from time to time now that the season is finally coming up :thumbsup:

[HemiEd]

Agreed......with Priest, you get the holding both arms out to his side, as if to say, "Look at me."

With LJ, you get the butthole sign with his hands.

Take your pick.....

As long as they are scoring TDs and not settling for field goals, I love it.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

This is pathetic.

BTW, Warpaint broke this story last night before anyone else.

[ROYC75]

Hopefully all that is going well and you can enjoy watching the games and drop in for alittle smack fest from time to time now that the season is finally coming up :thumbsup:


Been doing real good, off the walker and moving along, even went a hit a bucket of balls the other day at the range.

But I have a minor setback........ my bad knee, I have a Grade I sprain in the MCL area it is inflammed and hurts like hell.

[bronco militia]

This is pathetic.

BTW, Warpaint broke this story last night before anyone else.

I guess you're the only one that reads Warpaint ROFL!

[Kaylore]

Been doing real good, off the walker and moving along, even went a hit a bucket of balls the other day at the range.

But I have a minor setback........ my bad knee, I have a Grade I sprain in the MCL area it is inflammed and hurts like hell.

That sucks, dude. Hope you feel better. Bring Rausch next time.

[Hotrod]

I guess you're the only one that reads Warpaint ROFL!

Its a home run :notworthy

[KCStud]

Getting a healthy Priest back could be huge for KC. It's always good to get a guy who is a team player back in the mix. People may doubt him, but I remember people saying he would end up like Bo Jackson after he hurt his leg in Denver a few years ago, then breaking the TD record.
Not saying he will be a beast, but I would be very happy if he was healthy and ready to go. He is a good blocker and was always good at catching passes in the flat and making teams pay.
But it will be very interesting to see how he does. We always used the sweep to the left when we had Priest. Priest had Roaf, Shields, and T-Rich blocking for him and now they are all gone, so it will be much harder for him to do so well.

[KCStud]

Actually the story was also reported last night by Rhonda Moss on 610 AM

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Getting a healthy Priest back could be huge for KC. Why would anyone think he's "healthy" after missing two years with a spinal column injury?

He must be broke.

[bronco militia]

Why would anyone think he's "healthy" after missing two years with a spinal column injury?

He must be broke.

he's probably trying to avoid paying back his bonus. Jthe Chiefs can go after a portion of Priests Signing bonus if he was to retire

[Bronco_Beerslug]

he's probably trying to avoid paying back his bonus. Jthe Chiefs can go after a portion of Priests Signing bonus if he was to retireAh, I didn't know that.

[elsid13]

This is pathetic.

BTW, Warpaint broke this story last night before anyone else.




Actually the story was also reported last night by Rhonda Moss on 610 AM

Bobo plagiarizing someone - NO WAY

[bronco militia]

Ah, I didn't know that.

see Jake Plummer :welcome:

[boltaneer]

Getting a healthy Priest back could be huge for KC. It's always good to get a guy who is a team player back in the mix. People may doubt him, but I remember people saying he would end up like Bo Jackson after he hurt his leg in Denver a few years ago, then breaking the TD record.
Not saying he will be a beast, but I would be very happy if he was healthy and ready to go. He is a good blocker and was always good at catching passes in the flat and making teams pay.
But it will be very interesting to see how he does. We always used the sweep to the left when we had Priest. Priest had Roaf, Shields, and T-Rich blocking for him and now they are all gone, so it will be much harder for him to do so well.

A 33 year old running back coming off of a career threatening injury is something to get excited about? Man, things must be worse than I thought in KC.

But hey, if he's good to go, I'd love to see the Chiefs trade LJ for a 2nd round pick while Priest looks like Edge in Arizona running behind KC's shoddy o-line, and probably on the sidelines a quarter of the way through the season.

But after hearing about this issue probably being about money, I don't think we'll see him play another down again.

[Los Broncos]

Didn't he get hurt in a game v Denver?

I think it was a hip injury.

[KCStud]

Bobo plagiarizing someone - NO WAY

Just looked at the article on WI and C.E. Wendler did not write that story, Nick Athan did. Athan also gave credit to 610 AM in his article

[KCStud]

A 33 year old running back coming off of a career threatening injury is something to get excited about? Man, things must be worse than I thought in KC.

But hey, if he's good to go, I'd love to see the Chiefs trade LJ for a 2nd round pick while Priest looks like Edge in Arizona running behind KC's shoddy o-line, and probably on the sidelines a quarter of the way through the season.

But after hearing about this issue probably being about money, I don't think we'll see him play another down again.

Priest is a fan favorite in KC. He is not going to be starting, but it will be interesting to say the least to see how he does if he comes back. LJ is not going to be traded. LJ wants KC and KC wants LJ. LJ is unhappy with his contract, not the Chiefs.

[ZachKC]

If Holmes is healthy and could run somewhat like his old self, would Johnson even want to play in KC? Wasn't he pouting a couple years ago because he wasn't starting and he had to share with priest? Maybe LJ will just want to be traded.

LJ wasn't happy because he was not "the guy" This is a player who has a lot of maturing to do but he has grown up a lot since then even. This time around everything is different. It actually fits quite well. One of the few things Holmes has always said during this time off was if he indeed ever made it back to KC he understands it would be in the form of a role player. Johnson did some complaining...esp after the playoff loss that he was carrying the ball too much and something needed to be done to even things out.

So on the surface the situation seems to work itself out nicely. Even so, it is a big concern that Herm can make a situation where the team plays well and everyone is happy.

[ZachKC]

A 33 year old running back coming off of a career threatening injury is something to get excited about? Man, things must be worse than I thought in KC.

But hey, if he's good to go, I'd love to see the Chiefs trade LJ for a 2nd round pick while Priest looks like Edge in Arizona running behind KC's shoddy o-line, and probably on the sidelines a quarter of the way through the season.

But after hearing about this issue probably being about money, I don't think we'll see him play another down again.
The only thing Priest Holmes has done on the football field is dominate.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The only thing Priest Holmes has done on the football field is dominate.

Not in 2005.

[Inkana7]

The only thing Priest Holmes has done on the football field is dominate.

This is correct. The question is, will he even make it out of camp this year? He dominated from 01-04. This is now 2007, and he's 33 and coming off a serious injury. I don't know what this all means for Kansas City. Camp will tell.

[ZachKC]

This is correct. The question is, will he even make it out of camp this year? He dominated from 01-04. This is now 2007, and he's 33 and coming off a serious injury. I don't know what this all means for Kansas City. Camp will tell.

I agree.

[alanm]

I just cant see how productive Holmes could really be at this point.

He'd most likely be 3rd down and goal line situations only. Him and LT are the best in the NFL at that.

[boltaneer]

Priest is a fan favorite in KC. He is not going to be starting, but it will be interesting to say the least to see how he does if he comes back. LJ is not going to be traded. LJ wants KC and KC wants LJ. LJ is unhappy with his contract, not the Chiefs.

And you said something similar earlier as well about LJ needing the Chiefs as much as the Chiefs need LJ.

I hate to break it to you but that's wishful thinking. LJ wants a new contract. LJ wants to get paid. He can get that from any of the 32 teams in the NFL. I'm sure he'll be happy to stay in KC if the money is right but if not, he'll go to a team that will not be lowballing him.

Now tell me, where are the Chiefs going to find a replacement for LJ at this point in time? (And no, a 33 year old Priest Holmes ain't the answer.)

The Chiefs desperately need LJ. LJ doesn't need the Chiefs.

What is the general feeling out in KC? I would expect Chief fans to be livid at Chief's management for letting this drag out so long. To offer him 2/3 the money LT signed for four years ago, with the way salaries have exploded since then? You've got to be kidding me.

[ZachKC]

Eh, I think the Chiefs are going to give him as much as any team. The FA market for elite RBs when you compare them to other positions is pretty weak.

LJ more than anything else wants to be thought of in history as an elite RB. Thats all he has ever focused on...almost obsessively. The way the offense is built in KC is great for him in that regards...he also can't do that holding out...

[broncosteven]

Actually the story was also reported last night by Rhonda Moss on 610 AM

I get all my info from Rhonda Moss.

BTW what is up with all the Chicks reporting on the Cheefs?

There is that chick on in the KFC Star answering the mailbag & now Rhonda.

Are there any dudes in KFC that can report on the Chefs and or break stories out of their front office?

[400HZ]

Eh, I think the Chiefs are going to give him as much as any team. The FA market for elite RBs when you compare them to other positions is pretty weak.

LJ more than anything else wants to be thought of in history as an elite RB. Thats all he has ever focused on...almost obsessively. The way the offense is built in KC is great for him in that regards...he also can't do that holding out...

What is Carl saving the money for, anways? It's not like there's a whole slew of young talent on the team that needs to get locked up. The only guy on the squad close to LJ's talent level is Gonzalez, and he's getting paid. I find it hard to believe that there is even a question of Johnson getting extended as he IS KC's offense at this point. Seriously - what's going to happen to that offense if Johnson holds out?

Bennett? Hilarious!
Kennison? Hilarious!
Gonzo with 3 guys covering him? Hilarious!

So maybe the odds are that LJ gets hurt next year. A GM can't look at things from that perspective. He needs to look at it like this: The offensive line sucks, and so do most of the skill position guys. The only way for that group to remain at all legit is to keep LJ around. And it's not like the Chefs have a D that's gonna carry them.

In all seriousness, KC's offense minus LJ probably wouldn't be much better than Oakland's last year. Oakland won two games, and that was with a very good squad on D. How can Carl Peterson be stupid enough to even think twice about paying Larry what he's worth?

[Kaylore]

This would be good for the Chiefs because when LJ goes down or if he is traded they will have something of a backup who has been productive.

[MechanicalBull]

For hating the Chiefs I have always liked Priest and he was greating during his run with them. I hope this is a case of him being healthy and ready to play and not him needing money. As much I would hate to see a 100% Priest on the field I would rather see that than a 40% Priest on the field with a chance of getting hurt again.

[JJJ]

I hope he can come back. He is a solid guy.

But he should probably avoid Merriman.

[DukeWoody]

Its funny to see how desperatly some of these :mullet2: fans are trying to believe LJ will overlook the shortcommings of the chefs contract offer and simply take what he's been given,be a good trooper and play for the love of the game...
Like it has been speculated before,LJ will hold out and either he'll get paid by the chefs, or be traded and get paid by another team...Its a win win for Denver either way,though i would prefer the latter to happen and just get LJ the hell out of the AFC west...
The hype about priest,i think,is a weak attempt at a game of chicken by king carl,to try and get LJ to budge, but it will fail and let the games begin...

[Bob's your Information Minister]

How can Carl Peterson be stupid enough to even think twice about paying Larry what he's worth?

He got burned on the Priest contract extension.

This whole thing is retarded. I hate King Carl more than ever.

You guys were right about him.

[Florida_Bronco]

What is Carl saving the money for, anways? It's not like there's a whole slew of young talent on the team that needs to get locked up. The only guy on the squad close to LJ's talent level is Gonzalez, and he's getting paid. I find it hard to believe that there is even a question of Johnson getting extended as he IS KC's offense at this point. Seriously - what's going to happen to that offense if Johnson holds out?

Bennett? Hilarious!
Kennison? Hilarious!
Gonzo with 3 guys covering him? Hilarious!

So maybe the odds are that LJ gets hurt next year. A GM can't look at things from that perspective. He needs to look at it like this: The offensive line sucks, and so do most of the skill position guys. The only way for that group to remain at all legit is to keep LJ around. And it's not like the Chefs have a D that's gonna carry them.

In all seriousness, KC's offense minus LJ probably wouldn't be much better than Oakland's last year. Oakland won two games, and that was with a very good squad on D. How can Carl Peterson be stupid enough to even think twice about paying Larry what he's worth?

Pretty piss poor organization, ain't it? No wonder they haven't sniffed a playoff win in over a decade.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Pretty piss poor organization, ain't it? No wonder they haven't sniffed a playoff win in over a decade.

I'm beginning to see it your way.

[WoodMan]

This is correct. The question is, will he even make it out of camp this year? He dominated from 01-04. This is now 2007, and he's 33 and coming off a serious injury. I don't know what this all means for Kansas City. Camp will tell.

I don't think Priest will be nearly as effective as the past. Remember he was running behind Roaf and Shields, who many Chef fans touted as the best in football at the time. And TrINT was good at dumping him the ball in space with room to run. Too bad he didn't get his ring then because there is no hope now.;) I'll bet this is a ploy, so the Chef's don't go after his signing bonus.

[24champ]

Pretty piss poor organization, ain't it? No wonder they haven't sniffed a playoff win in over a decade.

But they have that ol' dusty and rusty trophy from 40 years ago...

[maher_tyler]

I wonder what dollars Priest would be playing for.

If he gains them 6-8 mil worth of leverage on Johnson, surely it would be worth giving Priest 2-3 mil of that. Maybe Priest is just showing us what a gooid businessman he is...

I liked Priest, class act, great runner. Still have nightmares of him running behind Roaf with his hand on his a$$ waiting until they made it past the linebackers, then he would make his cut and go to town.

Yep..everytime they'd do a toss play on the goalline you knew it was 6, just crazy the way the play took shape everytime..that was there bread and butter play IMO!!

[Sarcastro]

Hanging out, work, back therapy, etc. Just trying to get better.........

ROYC75 is Priest Holmes?!? I always knew there was something funny about you.

[toad]

Like others I always liked Priest despite him playing for the Chiefs. Always seemed like a hard working overachiever and appeared to do a lot in the community.

I hope he's putting his safety/health above his determination to play football.

[redrage]

Honestly, I'm not too concerned about KC's running game, even if LJ holds out. Yes, there will be a drop off in talent, but that dropoff will be in that added diminsion and threat that LJ brings. Without him, KC should be adequate in running ball and not merely exceptional. Even with Shield's retirement, the interior trio of Waters-Weigmann-Welborn is still quite good. Their tackles have always been able to run block well.

The difference is in the passing game. The tackles need to protect well and Bowe needs to get to camp. Croyle and/or Huard need to play efficient, mistake-free football.

With LJ out of the lineup, KC is a lot less scary, but it won't be like they'll average 50 yards/game. They just lose that one dimension that good offenses around the league have--someone to game plan and worry about on every snap. Without him, they are destined to mediocrity.

[ScotchTanShan]

Priest has discussed in the media before that he has no interest in playing football to the point he will seriously degrade his quality of life after football. He talked about seeing Earl Campbell around when he was at UT and how the guy struggled to just get around, and that he would never want that. His outlook was the same reason Tiki decided to hang it up "earlier." I don't think this is about money, and this isn't a situation of him coming back because he's worried about having to payback his signing bonus or not getting paid for the remaining years on his contract. In the Spring of '06 he reworked his contract with the Chiefs that reduced his base salary significantly in exchange that he would get to keep his signing bonus and get paid on the remaining years of his contract at the lower salary. The Chiefs got a cap friendly amount and retained his rights should he ever come back- which I never thought would be likely. This probably hasn't been reported, and the Chiefs have an outstanding policy of not commenting on contracts or salaries. I only know about this because I used to work for 2 NFL agents during my last year in law school and all these little background situations come up all the time that are never reported on. The guy is in the final years of a long term contract and his base is only a little over 800k- clearly not a typical number for an NFL salary when most contracts balloon in salary in the latter years.

The guy isn't coming back to try to regain what type of player he was in '01-'04, and the lightened load is probably part of the reason he may contemplate coming back in the hope of being able to contribute without having to carry the heavy load. Priest at 80% skill level still is an amazing change of pace back / 3rd down back if you compliment him with LJ, and having Bennett also, makes for a great backfield. Possibly the best in the NFL or San Diego's?

Should make for a great feature for HBO to follow on Hard Knocks. I don't think he's coming back for show, and he's the last player I would bet against in terms of busting his @ss to prove he can still have an impact.

[broncosteven]

Honestly, I'm not too concerned about KC's running game, even if LJ holds out. Yes, there will be a drop off in talent, but that dropoff will be in that added diminsion and threat that LJ brings. Without him, KC should be adequate in running ball and not merely exceptional. Even with Shield's retirement, the interior trio of Waters-Weigmann-Welborn is still quite good. Their tackles have always been able to run block well.

The difference is in the passing game. The tackles need to protect well and Bowe needs to get to camp. Croyle and/or Huard need to play efficient, mistake-free football.

With LJ out of the lineup, KC is a lot less scary, but it won't be like they'll average 50 yards/game. They just lose that one dimension that good offenses around the league have--someone to game plan and worry about on every snap. Without him, they are destined to mediocrity.


LOL

LJ bailed them out of so many games! It is not like KFC beat a lot of teams by 14 or more points (other than Jags that is).

Without LJ and his "50" yards per game KFC will be lucky to go 5-11. I am being nice here.

KFC fans are delusional.

[bronco militia]

Priest has discussed in the media before that he has no interest in playing football to the point he will seriously degrade his quality of life after football. He talked about seeing Earl Campbell around when he was at UT and how the guy struggled to just get around, and that he would never want that. His outlook was the same reason Tiki decided to hang it up "earlier." I don't think this is about money, and this isn't a situation of him coming back because he's worried about having to payback his signing bonus or not getting paid for the remaining years on his contract. In the Spring of '06 he reworked his contract with the Chiefs that reduced his base salary significantly in exchange that he would get to keep his signing bonus and get paid on the remaining years of his contract at the lower salary. The Chiefs got a cap friendly amount and retained his rights should he ever come back- which I never thought would be likely. This probably hasn't been reported, and the Chiefs have an outstanding policy of not commenting on contracts or salaries. I only know about this because I used to work for 2 NFL agents during my last year in law school and all these little background situations come up all the time that are never reported on. The guy is in the final years of a long term contract and his base is only a little over 800k- clearly not a typical number for an NFL salary when most contracts balloon in salary in the latter years.

The guy isn't coming back to try to regain what type of player he was in '01-'04, and the lightened load is probably part of the reason he may contemplate coming back in the hope of being able to contribute without having to carry the heavy load. Priest at 80% skill level still is an amazing change of pace back / 3rd down back if you compliment him with LJ, and having Bennett also, makes for a great backfield. Possibly the best in the NFL or San Diego's?

Should make for a great feature for HBO to follow on Hard Knocks. I don't think he's coming back for show, and he's the last player I would bet against in terms of busting his @ss to prove he can still have an impact.

thanks for the info......

[KCStud]

Pretty piss poor organization, ain't it? No wonder they haven't sniffed a playoff win in over a decade.

And the vast majority of it is the GM's(Carl) fault. Thank god he is retiring after the 2009 season. This guy cares about filling the stands, nothing more.

[Florida_Bronco]

And the vast majority of it is the GM's(Carl) fault. Thank god he is retiring after the 2009 season. This guy cares about filling the stands, nothing more.

It's ALL Carl's fault, from not spending money to get players to horrible coaching staff moves. Also, where did you hear he was retiring in 09? I have heard nothing about that.

[400HZ]

And the vast majority of it is the GM's(Carl) fault. Thank god he is retiring after the 2009 season. This guy cares about filling the stands, nothing more.

It's funny how everybody outside of KC has been saying that for years.

[BigBad]

I bet he is scared of Merriman.

[KCStud]

It's ALL Carl's fault, from not spending money to get players to horrible coaching staff moves. Also, where did you hear he was retiring in 09? I have heard nothing about that.

Carl stated that he is done after his term is over which is when the 2009 season ends.

I would love for us to get Scott Pioli, but I seriously doubt it will happen. I would like Bill Kuharich to be the next GM. He seems determined on seeing the team do well and can find talent through the draft.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Also, where did you hear he was retiring in 09? I have heard nothing about that.

It has been common knowledge for awhile now.

[ZachKC]

I have heard nothing about that.

Ask the same friends you get your football opinions from.

They know.

[Jason in LA]

Jason Whitlock totally dissed Priest Holmes. I told yall he hated black people. ;D The comments to the article were pretty funny. Looks like the KC readers are getting tired of Whitlock.

========================================

Holmes is in this for himself
By JASON WHITLOCK


RIVER FALLS, Wis. | Priest Holmes has good reason to be impressed with Priest Holmes.

And judging by his comments Sunday afternoon, no one is more aware of Holmes’ “greatness” than the man who quit the Chiefs after a routine Shawne Merriman tackle and Larry Johnson’s ascension to stardom.

“I believe to make this team a whole entity, it takes several parts,” Holmes said, explaining his decision to unquit the Chiefs, “and one of them entails me coming back.”

Funny, never once this offseason did Herm Edwards, the man paid to lead the Chiefs, suggest that the Chiefs couldn’t be whole without Holmes. I don’t remember any of the current players saying it either. The Chiefs had pretty much moved on.

But apparently not Priest, the Pro Bowl running back who abandoned his teammates 21 months ago and now promises to be the inspirational leader this organization desperately needs.

“I witnessed and saw the playoff game last year,” Priest “Rudy” Holmes shared, “and in that game you could see that in terms of leadership there is so much more that could be added in order to take this team deeper into the playoffs.”

Let’s call that comment exactly what it was: a shot delivered directly to the jaw of Larry Johnson.

OK, now let me clarify my feelings on Priest Holmes, the running back and the man. I respect both. Priest was a terrific runner, a poor man’s Emmitt Smith. As a man, I congratulate Priest for reducing professional football to what it truly is — a business. He’s a poor man’s Carl Peterson. Holmes wakes up every day wondering exactly what football can do for his bank account.

He quit football and went about the business of taking care of his children once he figured there were no new major paydays on his horizon. On Sunday, there was virtually no talk about the injured spine or neck or back or whatever the alleged career-killing injury Merriman inflicted in San Diego.

Holmes said he came back to football because he had a dream, not because doctors determined he was healthy enough to play.

I’m sure Holmes’ dream had dollar signs in it. The Chiefs have to pay him only $870,000 if he makes the team. It’s my suspicion that Holmes would prefer to be cut. He can land a better deal as a free agent. For instance, the Cowboys — the team Holmes referenced as an option if things don’t work out with the Chiefs — could sign Holmes for the veteran’s minimum and lace the contract with $2 million worth of incentives.

There’s no reason for the Chiefs to offer Holmes one dime in incentives. They paid him $1.5 million for babysitting in San Antonio last season.

Holmes announced Sunday that he’s going to spend the next three weeks getting in shape in preparation of putting on the pads. It’s easy to envision a scenario in which the Chiefs are forced to make a roster decision on Holmes without seeing him carry the football in an exhibition game. Once Holmes is placed on the active, regular-season roster, his entire salary is guaranteed, and it won’t be difficult for Holmes to find another doctor’s note excusing him to eat nachos and coach little-league football in San Antonio for the fall.

“No one wants to be hit with a malpractice suit so, of course, the doctors are going to respond accordingly,” Holmes responded when asked what physicians have told him.

Holmes later added: “Like I mentioned before, without even taking the field, there’s so much I can provide this team.”

He can provide exactly what he provided the previous 21 months — nothing. All this talk of leadership is bunk. Holmes has never been a leader. He’s been a tremendous touchdown producer and a solid Team Priest T-shirt seller. That’s it.

His voice won’t be heard in Kansas City’s locker room. The players aren’t stupid. They have eyes. They know he quit. Priest Holmes is a businessman. He doesn’t care about the Kansas City Chiefs. He cares about his next paycheck. There’s no crime in that. His teammates are probably impressed that he bilked Carl Peterson, and if Holmes can somehow manage to score a few TDs for the Chiefs, his teammates will be glad he returned.

If all Holmes has to offer is the insinuation that he’s a better leader than Larry Johnson, Holmes should take that noise back to San Antonio.

[lazarus4444]

Mad respect to Priest, even if he doesn't make it, what a classy player.