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Detroit Lions’ General Manager Brad Holmes: Inspiring Change On and Off the Field
Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions’ executive vice president and general manager, is making a lasting impact on the NFL, both on and off the field. With his remarkable turnaround of the Lions franchise, Holmes is not only changing the game but also inspiring a new generation of leaders. As one of six Black GMs in the league, he is dedicated to increasing diversity in NFL front offices and creating opportunities for minority candidates. In this article, we will delve into Holmes’ journey, his achievements, and his commitment to making a difference in the sports world.
The Detroit Lions, a team that had been struggling for years, found new hope when Brad Holmes was hired as their general manager in 2021. At just 41 years old, Holmes became the second Black GM in team history, following Martin Mayhew. With his extensive experience in the NFL, particularly in the Los Angeles Rams’ front office, Holmes brought a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the Lions. Under his leadership, the team has undergone a remarkable transformation, with consecutive playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, including an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2023 and a franchise-record 15 wins last season.
Holmes’ Journey to the Top
Holmes’ path to becoming a GM was not an easy one. He started as a public relations intern with the Rams in 2003 and worked his way up to the scouting department, eventually becoming the team’s director of college scouting. His talent evaluation skills and leadership abilities did not go unnoticed, and he was soon recruited by the Lions to lead their front office. Holmes’ success in Detroit is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game.
Key Highlights of Holmes’ Tenure
Some notable achievements of Holmes’ tenure with the Lions include:
* Six of the players he has drafted have been selected to a Pro Bowl, the most of any team in the NFL over that span.
* The team’s success on the field has grown in proportion to the number of Holmes-selected players on the roster.
* Holmes has been unafraid to make big trades and fill needs through free agency, including the trade of Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff.
* He has brought in key players such as David Montgomery, signing him to a three-year, $18 million deal in March 2023.
As one of the few Black GMs in the NFL, Holmes is acutely aware of the importance of increasing diversity in front offices. He has made it a priority to create opportunities for minority candidates, including Ray Agnew and Mike Martin, who he brought in to assume prominent roles on his staff. Holmes also helped launch the Wally Triplett Fellowship, a program designed to give minority college students the opportunity to experience professional sports and find their niche in front offices.
Quotes from Holmes and Other NFL Leaders
* “Choose your hard,” Holmes emphasized in his commencement speech at North Carolina A&T. “However, you slice it, whichever path you choose, it’s going to be hard.”
* “It’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Holmes told ESPN. “I love that it’s here in Detroit, that’s a very diverse city. It’s a Black city. I love that we can be deeply rooted in our culture, so I wouldn’t want it in any other place.”
* “Brad really came up in an old-school way. He earned his way to the top to where he is right now,” said Jerry Reese, former New York Giants GM.
The Future of the NFL
As the NFL continues to evolve, leaders like Brad Holmes are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive league. His success on and off the field is an inspiration to many, and his commitment to creating opportunities for minority candidates will have a lasting impact on the sport. As Holmes continues to make his mark on the NFL, one thing is clear: he is a force to be reckoned with, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion:
Brad Holmes’ story is one of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. From his early days as a public relations intern to his current role as GM of the Detroit Lions, Holmes has proven himself to be a talented and visionary leader. As he continues to inspire change on and off the field, his legacy will be felt for generations to come. With his commitment to diversity and inclusion, Holmes is helping to shape a more equitable and just NFL, where opportunities are available to all, regardless of race or background.
Keywords:
* Brad Holmes
* Detroit Lions
* NFL
* General Manager
* Diversity and Inclusion
* Wally Triplett Fellowship
* Minority candidates
* Front office
* Scouting
* Draft
* Free agency
* Trades
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* #BradHolmes
* #DiversityAndInclusion
* #WallyTriplettFellowship
* #MinorityCandidates
* #FrontOffice
* #Scouting
* #Draft
* #FreeAgency
* #Trades
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