Lions GM Brad Holmes shared a laugh as he donned the iconic North Carolina A&T Aggies jersey. He did this as a tribute to his collegiate roots in a pivotal time for the franchise. Holmes made a name for himself while wearing number 89 with the Lions and New York Giants. Now, he is preparing to give a commencement address at his alma mater on May 10th, further solidifying his connection with the university.
Holmes graduated cum laude in 2002 from the North Carolina A&T. He has a Bachelor of Science in journalism and mass communication. His pride in being an ambassador for the university shines through on the field, in long-form public proclamations, and in post-game statements. Recently, while making key picks for the Lions, he sported the No. 89 jersey, symbolizing his ongoing commitment to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
Holmes has been a central figure in the turnaround with the Lions. He’s an advocate for more visibility and support for HBCUs in the NFL. He acknowledges the challenges that these institutions face, stating, “I know what the struggle is with HBCUs in general, whether it’s funding and finances and all that. I do think that HBCUs are a lot more prevalent now.” His sentiments reflect an increasing recognition and prioritization of HBCUs in professional sports.
Holmes credits some of this amplified attention to high-profile hires like Deion Sanders. He continued, “You know what, I really do think Deion Sanders moved the needle a lot on that.…yet, he really put Jackson State on the national map when he was there. Consequently, HBCUs received national prominence as well. This honor fits neatly into the larger narrative of HBCU players increasingly making major waves in the NFL.
And boy did it pay off, as the Detroit Lions’ front office was 100% on board with Holmes. On a recent appearance, they all wore matching all black uniforms emblazoned with his No. 89. This gesture mirrors last year’s team event when they donned head coach Dan Campbell’s number, showcasing a culture of unity within the organization.
Holmes has enjoyed tremendous success on the field in his short tenure. He remains fiercely loyal to his roots and relishes being a fixture within the HBCU community. “Plenty of players have been standouts at HBCUs that have made differences in the league, but it is good that now at least I’ve created a branch from a front office standpoint in the NFL coming from an HBCU,” he stated.
As Holmes prepares for his upcoming commencement speech at North Carolina A&T, he embodies the spirit of dedication and pride that he wishes to inspire in current students. His journey underscores the importance of representation for HBCUs. It equally stresses the importance of advocacy for their pupils, particularly in the area of pro sports.
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