Steelers football legend transitions to role as HBCU coach
Ready to coach up, Holmes headed to Central State!
Former standout NFL wide receiver Santonio Holmes is jumpstarting his coaching career as he's set to join Central State University's football program. Holmes will serve as the team's wide receivers coach under new head coach Tony Carter, a former pro player himself.
The addition of Holmes as a coach indicates Carter's ambition to develop a potent wide receiver corps, benefiting from Holmes' professional expertise and Super Bowl MVP pedigree. Holmes' football journey started at Glades Central High School, where he thrived as a multi-sport athlete and helped clinch multiple state titles.
Prior to his NFL career, Holmes played college football at The Ohio State University, even redshirting during their 2002 national championship season. Over his college career, he racked up impressive stats, ranking among the school's top receivers with 140 catches, 2,295 yards, and 25 touchdowns.
Selected 25th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Steelers, Holmes quickly left his mark on the league. Highlights of his tenure include his legendary performance in Super Bowl XLIII, where he snagged the game-winning touchdown and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. In 2009, Holmes recorded his finest NFL season with 79 receptions for 1,248 yards.
The Steelers weren't his only team, however. Holmes later suited up for the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, amassing nine seasons as a reliable and dynamic playmaker. Now, Holmes returns to the Midwest to help Carter transform the Marauders into a Division II contender.
In the past, Central State University boasted an HBCU Powerhouse football program, producing star players like Hugh Douglass and even reaching the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1983 under legendary head coach Billy Joe.
Now, Holmes has a chance to make Central State a force to be reckoned with again. Let's see if he can bring the same winning mentality he displayed as a player to his coaching career!
About Santonio Holmes
- NFL Career: Holmes was a first-round NFL Draft pick (25th overall) in 2006. He played for the Steelers, Jets, and Raiders in his career, earning a Super Bowl MVP Award in 2009[5].
- College Football: Prior to his NFL days, Holmes played college ball at Ohio State University[1].
Sources:[1] Central State University Athletics[3] ESPN[4] HBCU Gameday[5] SB Nation
- Santonio Holmes, the Super Bowl MVP and former NFL wide receiver, will lend his expertise to Central State University's football program as he joins as the wide receivers coach.
- Central State University aims to replicate their past success in American football with the appointment of Holmes, who played multiple sports in high school and won multiple state titles.
- As Holmes begins his coaching journey in Division II sports, he hopes to emulate the winning mentality he displayed during his NFL career, following in the footsteps of legendary coaches like Billy Joe.
