[3] Holmes graduated George D. Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida in 1997, where he was captain of the football team, and was also elected homecoming king.
[4][5] Holmes graduated cum laude from North Carolina A&T in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications, and was a four-year letterman for the Aggies at defensive tackle under head coach Bill Hayes.
[6][7] In 1999, he was voted team captain and helped A&T win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Black college football national championship.
[8] At the conclusion of the public relations internship, Montgomery assisted Holmes in securing a position in the Rams player personnel department.
[12] Holmes signed a five-year contract, succeeding prior general manager Bob Quinn.