Valentine Holmes Reflects on NFL Journey While Preparing for NRL Challenge
LAS VEGAS — Among the standout players in the National Rugby League’s opening games this Saturday at Allegiant Stadium is Valentine Holmes, who was once at the bottom of the roster with the Jets more than six years ago.
If you’re catching the action on Fox Sports 2 this weekend, expect to see Holmes showcasing his skills as a center against the St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury Bulldogs.
Back in 2019, Holmes, who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 200 pounds, was trying out for the Jets as a running back, receiver, and kick returner through the International Pathway Program.
At the Jets, Holmes participated in OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, earning eight receptions for 85 yards over four preseason games before being let go.
Over coffee in the Dragons’ team room on Thursday, Holmes reflected on his choice to move to the NFL, admitting that it didn’t go as planned. “It was challenging to leave everything I knew in New York,” he said. “If I hadn’t taken that step, I would have regretted it forever.”
Holmes estimates his move to the U.S. has cost him about AUD 850,000 a year, which is roughly USD 600,000.
Even with the financial hit, he gained a lot from his experience in the NFL. “I learned how to prep for matches and what it takes to compete at a high level. I thought I was invincible at 23,” he reflected. “It’s a tough sport.”
Despite not quite matching the talents of the 2019 Jets roster, which included Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell, he holds no regrets. “I really strive to have no regrets. The opportunity was there, and I knew I had to take it,” he said.
He acknowledges the realities of transitioning sports. “I knew I was stepping into a whole new arena. But I feel I achieved a lot during my time in rugby league.”
Previously, Holmes was a key player for the Sharks, helping them clinch the NRL Premiership title in 2016. He is now in the second year of a three-year, $2.5 million contract with the Dragons.
Interestingly, many of his NFL teammates were unaware of his stature back home. They didn’t realize that he was one of Australia’s most famous athletes, juggling the learning curve of a new sport at just 23. He blended in among others in training camp, many of whom would not go on to fulfill their NFL aspirations.
“My dad would say I was a big fish in a small pond in my hometown. Then, moving to Sydney at 17 made me a small fish in a bigger pond,” Holmes said. After winning a championship and representing his country, he felt significant again.
“Then I landed in the NFL, right back to being a small fish. I was just trying to challenge myself,” he reflected.
While in the NFL, he made new friends, such as Darnold, former Jets linebacker Frankie Luv, and Braxton Berrios. “I reached out to Sam about attending the game on Saturday, but he’s been busy since the Super Bowl,” Holmes mentioned.
He values the friendships formed, saying he still talks to many of his former teammates and keeps a framed Jets jersey and helmet in his home.
Holmes recalled a moment when running backs Bell and Ty Montgomery were intrigued to learn about his background, looking up his highlights online and surprised by what they found.
After seeing his highlights, Montgomery jokingly asked, “You’re not the Tom Brady of Australia, are you?”
Lachlan Edwards, who was the Jets’ punter during Holmes’ tryout, remembers him as a talented player. “Let’s hope he can leave his mark here,” Edwards said.
While Holmes may not have left the lasting impact he wished for in the NFL, he continues to be a significant figure in the NRL. Be sure to watch him this Saturday.
