Ernie Holmes facts for kids

Earnest Lee Holmes (born July 11, 1948 – died January 17, 2008) was an American football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. People often called him "Fats."

Earnest Holmes was picked by the Steelers in the eighth round of the 1971 NFL draft. He helped the team win two Super Bowl championships. He played most of his career in Pittsburgh. He retired in 1978 after playing a short time with the New England Patriots.

Early Life and College Football

Earnest Holmes was born in Jamestown, Texas. He grew up on his family's farm. He went to school in Wiergate. For college, he played football at Texas Southern University.

Playing in the NFL

Earnest Holmes joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971. He was a key part of their famous defense, known as the "Steel Curtain." This defense included other great players like Joe Greene, Dwight White, and L. C. Greenwood.

While playing, Holmes was known for being a very tough player. He was often seen as one of the most feared players on the Steelers' defense. Even though quarterback sacks were not officially counted until 1982, the Steelers believe Holmes had 40 sacks in his career. This number places him eighth on the team's all-time list. He led the team in sacks with 11 in 1974 and 10.5 in 1975. He even had a streak of six games in a row with a sack.

Holmes played six seasons with the Steelers. In 1978, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He did not make their team. Later that season, he played three games for the New England Patriots before he retired.

After Holmes left, his jersey number 63 was given to another great player, center Dermontti Dawson. The Steelers later stopped using number 63 to honor Dawson, who joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Life After Football

After his football career, Earnest Holmes tried new things. He became a professional wrestler and an actor.

He appeared in the 1985 movie Fright Night. He also appeared in WrestleMania 2 as a wrestler. He was even in an episode of the TV show The A-Team.

Personal Life and Passing

Earnest Holmes lived in Texas on a ranch near Wiergate. He had his own church there and was an ordained minister.

Holmes passed away on January 17, 2008. He died in a car accident near Beaumont, Texas. He was buried at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Jamestown, Texas.

Film Appearances

See also

• List of gridiron football players who became professional wrestlers