Introduction: The Question Everyone Asks – Did Brad Holmes Play Football?
If you’re a fan of the NFL or the Detroit Lions, chances are you’ve heard the name Brad Holmes. As the current General Manager (GM) of the Detroit Lions, Holmes has made waves in the football world with smart draft picks, aggressive roster building, and a leadership style that has transformed the Lions into playoff contenders.
But many fans and sports enthusiasts often wonder: Did Brad Holmes play football? The short answer is yes, Brad Holmes did play football — and not just casually. He was a collegiate athlete who played an important role on his team, and his playing background laid the foundation for his executive career in professional football.
In this article, we will explore Brad Holmes’ football journey, from his early days as a player to his meteoric rise as one of the top front-office minds in the NFL.
Who Is Brad Holmes?
Before diving into whether Brad Holmes played football, let’s quickly recap who he is.
Full Name: Brad Holmes
Current Role: Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Detroit Lions
Previous Role: Director of College Scouting, Los Angeles Rams
Education: North Carolina A&T State University
NFL Executive Experience: Over 18 years
Holmes gained national recognition during his time with the Rams, where he helped scout and draft major talents like Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Jared Goff. His ability to evaluate talent and manage the complexities of team-building eventually earned him the GM position with Detroit in 2021.
But where did it all begin? Let’s go back to his roots.
Did Brad Holmes Play Football? Yes – Here’s the Proof
The keyword question — Did Brad Holmes play football? — is not only valid but also significant to understanding his journey. Brad Holmes did play football at the collegiate level.
High School Football Career
Brad Holmes grew up in Tampa, Florida, and attended George D. Chamberlain High School. There, he was a standout player and even served as team captain. His leadership skills were evident early on, and he was known for his work ethic on the defensive line.
College Football at North Carolina A&T
After high school, Holmes earned a spot at North Carolina A&T State University, a historically Black university (HBCU) in Greensboro, North Carolina. There, he played as a defensive tackle for the Aggies.
Key Highlights:
Four-year letterman
Team Captain in 1999
Helped lead the team to a MEAC Championship
Contributed to a Black College Football National Championship
Graduated cum laude with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications
Holmes was more than just a role player — he was a core part of the team, helping anchor the defensive front during a championship season.
A Life-Altering Event: The Car Accident
In the winter of 1999, shortly after a successful season, Brad Holmes was involved in a serious car accident while visiting family during the holiday break. The accident left him in a coma for nearly a week.
Doctors were unsure if he would survive, let alone return to football. However, Holmes made a remarkable recovery and was eventually cleared to play his final season in 2001. This resilience would later define his approach to football — focused, determined, and never backing down from adversity.
Why Didn’t Brad Holmes Go Pro?
While Holmes had a notable college football career, he never made it to the NFL as a player. But why?
1. Injuries and Health Concerns
The serious car accident he suffered during college may have impacted his physical capabilities and long-term durability. Although he returned to play, the incident likely affected his potential to be evaluated as a pro-level athlete.
2. Depth of Talent at His Position
As a defensive tackle, Holmes played a position where physical attributes like size, speed, and explosiveness are often deal-breakers for NFL scouts. While solid in college, he may not have met the elite physical benchmarks required for the NFL.
3. A Shift in Passion
After college, Holmes decided to focus on a career behind the scenes, starting in public relations before working his way into scouting and eventually rising to GM.
From College Player to NFL Executive: The Brad Holmes Career Journey
So, did Brad Holmes play football? Yes. But his story didn’t stop there. His transition from player to executive is one of the most inspiring in modern football.
Early Career Moves
After graduating, Holmes worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, unsure of how to break into the sports world.
He landed a public relations internship with the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) in 2002.
That role led to a PR internship with the St. Louis Rams in 2003 — his foot in the NFL door.
Climbing the Scouting Ladder
Holmes moved from PR to player personnel, learning the ropes of scouting and team-building.
He became the Director of College Scouting for the Rams in 2013.
Credited with evaluating and helping draft stars like Aaron Donald, Todd Gurley, and Cooper Kupp.
Becoming GM of the Detroit Lions
In 2021, Holmes was hired as General Manager of the Detroit Lions. Since then, he has:
Drafted key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown
Helped the Lions reach the playoffs and break multiple team records
Won NFL Executive of the Year honors from PFWA
How His Playing Experience Informs His Leadership
Brad Holmes’ time as a football player may not have extended to the NFL, but it shaped his understanding of the game in ways that influence his success as a GM.
1. Player Empathy
As someone who played the game at a competitive level, Holmes has a strong ability to relate to players. This empathy helps him build relationships and assess intangibles like leadership, effort, and mentality.
2. Scouting from a Player’s Perspective
Holmes’ experience on the defensive line gives him insight into positional needs, schemes, and the attributes that translate from college to pro.
3. Resilience and Grit
Coming back from a coma to finish his college career reflects Holmes’ toughness — a trait he now looks for in the players he drafts and signs.
Conclusion: Did Brad Holmes Play Football? Absolutely.
To wrap it up, Brad Holmes did play football, and he did so at a high level in college. His time at North Carolina A&T as a defensive tackle and team captain helped shape him into the leader he is today. While he never played professionally, his football journey — both as a player and now as an executive — is a testament to resilience, hard work, and vision.
As fans, when we ask, “Did Brad Holmes play football?”, we’re really asking what qualifies him to lead an NFL franchise. The answer? His experience on the field, in the film room, and in the front office all contribute to his well-rounded, deeply respected reputation.