Jason Holmes

Jason Holmes (born October 28, 1989) is a former professional American-born Australian rules footballer who played for the St Kilda Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).[1] He was the first born and raised American to ever play AFL.

Jason Holmes
Personal information
Full name Jason Holmes
Date of birth (1989-10-28) October 28, 1989
Place of birth Chicago, Illinois, United States
Draft No. 36, 2014 rookie draft
Height 203 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2014–2017 St Kilda 5 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2017.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

Holmes was born in Chicago[2] to an African American father and White American mother. He played basketball, soccer, baseball, American football and golf throughout his youth. His father, Kevin, played basketball professionally in Europe and South America.[3] His brother, Andre, plays American football professionally for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League.

College basketball

Holmes played college basketball for Mississippi Valley State and Morehead State from 2009 to 2013.[4] He gained a bachelor's degree in universal studies upon graduation. While in his senior year, Holmes was invited to participate in the Australian Football League's 2013 US Draft Combine. He was subsequently signed as an international rookie by the St Kilda Football Club in October 2013.[5]

Australian football career

Holmes first played Australian rules football for St Kilda's developmental team, Sandringham, in the Victorian Football League (VFL). On August 22, 2015, he became the first born and raised American to debut in the AFL.[6] Holmes lined up at the position of ruck and his debut included a game-high 34 hit outs in St Kilda's 97-all draw with Geelong. He played the final three games of the home and away season. He was delisted at the conclusion of the 2017 season.[7]

Personal life

Holmes is one of five children. He has two brothers; his older brother, Andre Holmes, is a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.[8] His younger brother, Mark, plays European basketball for BC Winterthur.[9] He also has two younger sisters (unknown names).

References
  1. "Inside Jason Holmes' journey". St Kilda Football Club. August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  2. "St Kilda's Jason Holmes set to become first American to play AFL game". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  3. American Jason Holmes to create AFL history for St Kilda
  4. "Jason Holmes to debut for St Kilda, making him first born-and-raised US AFL player". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  5. St Kilda Saints sign former US college basketballer Jason Holmes citing rookie's 'athletic prowess'
  6. Green, Warwick (August 20, 2015). "Jason Holmes to make debut and will become first US-born and raised player to play AFL champion football". Fox Sports Australia. News Corp Australia. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  7. Navaratnam, Dinny (October 23, 2017). "Saints axe American, demote fellow ruck". AFL.com.au. Bigpond. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  8. http://www.nfl.com/player/andreholmes/2495453/profile
  9. http://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Mark_Holmes/Switzerland/BC_Winterthur/188556
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