Priest may have simply represented a hero for everyone. In Kansas City, in America, all over the globe, people are desperate for one. Because in so many cases the comeback of Priest Holmes seemed anything but selfless. At the end of the long and winding road, however, it was his -heroism- that was saluted everywhere you turned.
As Priest closed his Ring-of-Honor career, Chiefs Nation understandably stands and applauds. Priest rushed for more yards than any back in franchise history. He scored touchdowns at a prolific clip. He dazzled 79,000 every Sunday at that insane asylum off Raytown Road.
But when the curtains are peeled back, the injury/ comeback/ retirement of Priest was anything but soft and cuddly.
When Shawne Merriman knocked Priest silly two years ago in San Diego, Holmes courageously walked off under his own power. He visited doctors, physicians and neurosurgeons for second opinions. But once he was shelved, he darted into darkness like slipping behind a pulling left tackle.
Carl Peterson and Dick Vermeil assured us at the following press conference (I know, I was there) that Priest would be still be a huge part of this team. They insisted Priest would mentor LJ as Larry took the mantle of feature back, give advice to young teammates and be lock step with the franchise every step of the way.
That never happened. Priest disappeared, turned up once in a luxury suite infamously eating nachos, his locker still filled with his equipment (I know, I saw it).
When the Bengals knocked Trent Green silly, he stayed with the team. Trent battled tooth and nail every week to return. He helped Damon Huard and mentored Brodie Croyle. He endured the pain of sitting on the sidelines with a headset on, listening to each play, following along mentally every Sunday he was out.
When Priest finally decided he would return, it was not in February, summer mini-camp or even a few DAYS before training camp. It was the day training camp began. Priest showed up out of shape, admitting he had not done any physical activity during his two years away. Because he decided through -a dream- to return, he left his team doctors and trainers no time in helping him return for the first two months of the season.
He clumsily stepped all over the contract negotiations of his teammate Larry Johnson, suggesting if Larry did not want the money, he would take it instead. Ultimately that would have been bad business by the Chiefs. The 34-year-old Priest played in just three games this season.
By the time Priest was ready to come back, the trade deadline was near. The Chiefs had to decide if they had a credible insurance policy for LJ. They felt they did with Priest, so Michael Bennett was shipped away. Entering week 11, the Chiefs found themselves without Priest, without Bennett and with an unproven rookie forced into the starting role.
Priests p.r. savvy was also once again amusing. Every running back credits his offensive line for being invisible helping hands, usually showering them with Rolexes and trips to Hawaii. Not Priest. He memorably saw it another way, that he would make the offensive line look good. He suggested that was the definition of his career, going back to his Longhorns and Ravens days. His comments were met with more than a few raised-eyebrows in the locker room.
Its always interesting how history speaks. Some individuals are smiled upon. Others are not. There is no denying, Priest made an earnest and valiant attempt at rejoining the Chiefs this season. He put his long-term health on the line and from day one believed he could help the team. For that, this city and these passionate fans salute him, holding their #31 jerseys in sanctimony. A deeper look, though, reveals just how messy the last two years have been. But sometimes reality doesnt matter much. Sometimes we just need heroes, for better and worse.
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one, the only, Zach Greinke from Royals Spring Training. The
2007 One NIT NIT Moment.
The 2006 Caller Hall of Fame Track One: Christopher Walken's legendary roast
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tape. 6-6-06:
The Crypt Keeper's Holiday Crazy
Ray displays his talent for singing. Could he make a run at the next American
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Alex left for D.A. The
D.A. Show tribute to Alan Thicke.
Is
Crazy Ray really crazy? Take a listen to find out.
A
D.A. Show Investigation reveals color commentators handing out the pink slip
to local college coaches.
Quinner's
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Duh, ok.
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Priest may have simply represented a hero for everyone. In Kansas City, in America, all over the globe, people are desperate for one. Because in so many cases the comeback of Priest Holmes seemed anything but selfless. At the end of the long and winding road, however, it was his -heroism- that was saluted everywhere you turned.
