Pat Holmes, a standout defensive end who earned two All-Star honors during his time with the Houston Oilers and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, passed away on June 16 at the age of 85. His professional football journey spanned eight seasons in the NFL and its predecessor leagues, leaving a lasting impression as a reliable and skilled lineman on the field.
Holmes first gained recognition for his abilities while playing college football at Texas Tech. Despite being selected in the NFL Draft, his path to major success in the United States took an unexpected detour northward. He opted to begin his professional career in Canada rather than immediately joining an American team.
In the Canadian Football League, Holmes spent four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders from 1962 through 1965. His strong performances there eventually caught the attention of teams back in the States. By the end of his CFL stint, he had developed into a standout player, culminating in an All-Star nod that opened doors for his next opportunity.
The Houston Oilers, then competing in the American Football League, signed Holmes after his impressive showing in Canada. He made an immediate impact upon joining the team in 1966, starting every game of his rookie campaign and contributing 4.5 sacks to the defensive effort.
This solid debut laid the foundation for what would become a productive stretch with the franchise.
A key turning point arrived in 1967 when Holmes shifted from defensive tackle to defensive end. The adjustment coincided with a dramatic turnaround for the Oilers, who surged from a 3-11 record the previous year to a much stronger 9-4-1 finish. Head coach Wally Lemm played a significant role in the team’s resurgence, and he had high praise for his player’s contributions.
“Holmes is one of the greatest defensive linemen I have not only coached, but seen,” Lemm said back in 1967. “He’s remarkable. With all his size, he has great agility and speed. He could be up there with the great ones.”
That season marked Holmes’ first selection to the AFL All-Star Team, validating the positional change and his growing influence on defense. He followed up with another All-Star appearance in 1968, during which he posted a personal-best 6.5 sacks. These achievements highlighted his consistency and ability to disrupt opposing offenses throughout the late 1960s.
Over his seven seasons with the Oilers organization, spanning both the AFL era and the transition into the NFL, Holmes accumulated 30 sacks by the conclusion of the 1972 campaign. His tenure with the team demonstrated remarkable durability and adaptability as professional football continued to evolve around him.
Holmes wrapped up his playing days with a final season in 1973 alongside the Kansas City Chiefs. During that year, he added the lone interception of his entire career to his statistical resume.
After stepping away from the game, he transitioned into business, operating a Kwik Kopy franchise located in downtown Houston.
He is survived by his wife Cindy, along with three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Holmes’ legacy endures through his accomplishments as a two-time All-Star and his steadfast presence on the defensive line during a transformative period in professional football.
