Originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2011, Holmes also played for the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos.

[5][6] Holmes attended James B. Conant High School where he started at wide receiver for only one season.

Holmes accepted a football scholarship from NCAA Division II Hillsdale College, where he was coached by Keith Otterbein.

He was also a member of the track and field team, winning the GLIAC title in the outdoor triple jump at the conference championships in 2006.

Holmes was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2011 NFL draft on July 27, due to his small school background.

[9] On November 27, the Cowboys signed Holmes to their practice squad, as a replacement to Danny Coale, but he wasn't re-signed at the end of the season.

[13] On July 27, 2013, he was suspended for the first 4 games of the 2013 season due to violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy.

[14] On January 7, 2017, Holmes caught his first career postseason touchdown from quarterback Connor Cook in the Raiders' 14–27 wildcard round loss to the Houston Texans.

[16] On September 10, in the season-opening 21–12 victory over the New York Jets, he recorded his first touchdown as a Bill, a one-yard pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor.