Jonathan Rand writing for kcchiefs.com and The Kansas City Star reports that Priest Holmes hasn’t been able to work out at the level he has in the past. He injured his neck against San Diego last season, allowing Larry Johnson to step up and carry the running back duties.

I loved watching Holmes run, a Barry Sanders without the spin moves, a small yet powerful back that made defenses look silly. He was very good for my fantasy football teams. :)

I understand when someone loves the game so much they want to keep playing, but the game doesn’t love you in return. Bodies get older, and if a player gets injured in the wrong place all those millions he earned will be spent on medical care. Holmes knows his body better than we do, but it looks like more risk than reward at this point.

I think Holmes should come back as a coach, earning a decent income and enjoying the game but thanking his body for all the performance it has given him. I don’t want another player on the sports journalism circuit. Football journalism should be about the game, not the self-worship of has-beens. Perspective is nice, but “I spoke with my buddy T.O.” lacks the objectivity needed in reporting.