Massachusetts Pirates

Defensive back C.J. Holmes re-signed with the Pirates in October of 2024.

In five games in the regular season last year, Holmes made four starts with 13 tackles and three passes broken up. Holmes, a 6’1”, 190 lb. native of New Orleans, LA, also started in two of the three playoff games making 7.5 tackles with an interception while breaking up two passes. His pick against Green Bay was one of four turnovers the team caused in the Conference Championship win. 

Holmes joined the Pirates after a stint with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL as he was the first defensive back taken in the first round of the league draft in February of 2023. He also attended the New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp after college in May of that year as an undrafted free agent. 

Holmes began his collegiate football journey as a walk-on at Jackson State University, where he swiftly rose to prominence as one of the team’s top defensive backs. Over his five seasons at JSU under the direction of then Head Coach Deion Sanders, Holmes registered 106 total tackles, broke up 32 passes, and had eight interceptions. His best season was his senior year of 2021 where he notched 40 total tackles, an interception, and broke up eight passes.