NFL: 30 greatest seasons from players 30 and older

NFL: 30 greatest seasons from players 30 and older: 18. Priest Holmes, 2001

Despite his run of utter dominance, I sometimes forget how short-lived Priest Holmes’ five minutes of fame really was. By the age of 27, Holmes had just over 2,000 career rushing yards for the Baltimore Ravens, and from 2004 until the end of his career in 2007, he combined for just another 1,480 yards. However, his three-season stretch from 2001 to 2003 was arguable the best I have ever seen at the position.

After joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001, Holmes went berserk on the football field – rushing for over 1,500 yards in two straight seasons. Surprisingly, his age-30 season was arguably the best of his short-lived run of dominance. Over 16 games in 2003, Holmes managed 1,420 yards on a respectable 4.4 yards per carry. However, his 27 rushing touchdowns blew everyone else out of the water – surpassing second-place leader, Ahman Green by 12 scores.

But running the ball was hardly Holmes’ only talent. As a receiving back, he was one of the best in the business, and his ability in the passing game helped make him one of the very best backs for a short period of time. Holmes caught 74 of 90 targets in 2003 and chipped in another 690 yards through the air (9.3 yards per reception).

This brought his scrimmage yards to a grand total of 2,110, and his 27-touchdown performance remains second of all-time behind Hall of Famer, Ladanian Tomlinson. Priest Holmes earned his third consecutive first-team All-Pro honors in 2003 before injuries plagued the remainder of his career.