He started his career with the Baltimore Ravens but experienced breakout success after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 2001.

[4] Holmes was raised in a military household as his stepfather was an aircraft technician at Kelly Air Force Base for 20 years.

As a senior in 1991, Holmes rushed for 2,061 yards, and led his team to a runner-up finish in the state championship game, losing to Odessa Permian.

After starting two games and averaging over five yards per carry for the second straight season as a sophomore, Holmes received more significant playing time as a junior.

[9] Holmes missed the 1995 season with a knee injury, allowing for the emergence of future Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams as the starter.

Holmes spent his entire rookie season as the Baltimore Ravens' fourth-string running back, behind Bam Morris, Earnest Byner, and Jay Graham.

[11] On September 24, 1997, Holmes made his professional regular season debut as part of the special teams unit during a 38–10 victory at the Tennessee Oilers in Week 4.

[12] During training camp in 1998, Holmes competed to be the starting running back after the departures of Bam Morris and Earnest Byner.

Head coach Ted Marchibroda named Holmes the third running back on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Errict Rhett and Jay Graham.

Holmes's spinal injury did not heal by the end of the 2006 pre-season, and he was placed on the Chiefs' Physically Unable to Perform list for the season.

[24] Michael Bennett was traded at mid-season, and Holmes returned to the Kansas City roster, beginning practice on October 17, 2007.

Holmes then completed the comeback four days later, playing in the Chiefs regular season game against the Oakland Raiders, carrying the ball four times.

He made his first start since October 30, 2005, against the San Diego Chargers and played in a home game on November 11, 2007, in a 27–11 loss to the Denver Broncos.