Jalyn Holmes Bio
Jalyn Holmes is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 25, 1996, in Norfolk, Virginia, Holmes has built a journeyman career across multiple NFL franchises. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2014 to 2017, where he developed into a reliable defensive presence before entering the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings selected Holmes in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional career, Holmes has contributed as a rotational defensive end for several teams, bringing consistency and versatility to various defensive line units.
Early Life and Background
Jalyn Holmes grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Lake Taylor High School. During his high school years, Holmes established himself as a standout football player, demonstrating the physical tools and instincts that would later carry him to the collegiate level. His performance at Lake Taylor caught the attention of major college programs, setting the stage for his recruitment to a top-tier football program.
Holmes’s combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him an attractive prospect for college programs seeking defensive line talent. His development during his formative years in Virginia’s high school football scene provided the foundation for his transition to big-time college football.
Path to the NFL
Holmes accepted a scholarship to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of college football’s premier programs. He redshirted his freshman season in 2014, using that year to adjust to the speed and complexity of collegiate football while continuing to develop physically and technically. This redshirt season proved valuable for his long-term development as he prepared to contribute at a high level in subsequent years.
From 2015 to 2017, Holmes became a consistent contributor for the Buckeyes. He appeared in 40 total games across those three seasons, showcasing his reliability and durability as a defensive end. His performance earned him recognition as a two-time Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference selection. Over his college career, he accumulated 85 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and 5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing backfields and contribute to Ohio State’s dominant defenses.
A highlight of Holmes’s college career came in 2015 when he was part of the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff National Championship team. During his time at Ohio State, he participated in two Big Ten Championships and five bowl games, helping the Buckeyes post a 4-1 record in those postseason contests. His experience playing in high-pressure games against top competition prepared him well for the challenges of professional football.
Jalyn Holmes Career
Minnesota Vikings (2018–2020)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Jalyn Holmes with the 102nd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. On May 5, 2018, he signed a four-year contract worth $3.191 million, including a signing bonus of $731,396. Holmes’s rookie season represented his introduction to professional football, where he learned the nuances of the NFL game while adjusting to the increased speed and physicality of the league.
During his rookie year, Holmes recorded his first career sack in Week 7 against the New York Jets. Playing against Sam Darnold, Holmes contributed to a 37-17 Vikings victory in New York. This milestone represented a turning point in his rookie season, validating his selection in the draft and demonstrating his ability to make an impact at the professional level. Holmes continued to develop as a rotational player for the Vikings’ defensive line during his first three NFL seasons.
League Transitions (2021–2023)
Holmes’s career took a journeyman turn following his time in Minnesota. The Vikings waived him on September 1, 2021, marking the end of his initial NFL chapter. He quickly found a new opportunity with the New Orleans Saints, signing to their practice squad on September 6, 2021. Holmes’s persistence paid off when the Saints promoted him to the active roster on October 6, allowing him to continue his professional career.
In May 2022, Holmes signed with the New York Giants, though he was waived by the team before the regular season began. He then joined the Chicago Bears’ practice squad in October 2022 and earned a promotion to the active roster in January 2023. After his release from the Bears in August 2023, Holmes signed with the New York Jets in mid-August 2023. His time with the Jets featured multiple roster moves, including several promotions and demotions between the active roster and practice squad throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Washington Commanders (2024–2025)
Holmes signed with the Washington Commanders on October 16, 2024, joining their defensive line rotation. He made an immediate impact with his new team, recording his first sack with Washington in Week 8 against his former team, the Chicago Bears. This sack represented a notable moment in his career, showcasing his continued ability to contribute pass-rushing value regardless of his team affiliation.
In March 2025, Holmes re-signed with the Commanders, indicating the team’s confidence in his abilities. Throughout the 2025 season, he served as a depth piece along Washington’s defensive line, providing experience and versatility to the defensive rotation. His tenure with the Commanders demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and team cultures.
Driving Style and Strengths
Holmes plays the defensive end position with a combination of size, power, and technique. Listed at 6 feet 5 inches and 283 pounds, he possesses the physical frame to hold ground against the run while also offering pass-rushing ability. His experience at Ohio State under a prestigious football program helped him develop a professional approach to the game, including proper technique, assignment recognition, and football intelligence. Throughout his career, Holmes has valued consistency and reliability, qualities that have helped him remain in the NFL despite frequent team changes.
Notable Events and Milestones
The standout moment of Holmes’s college career was winning the College Football Playoff National Championship with Ohio State in 2015. This victory represented the pinnacle of collegiate football achievement and provided invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. In the NFL, his Week 7 sack during his rookie season with the Vikings marked his first significant professional accomplishment. His first sack with the Washington Commanders in 2024 served as a reminder of his continued ability to make plays in the backfield.
Jalyn Holmes Career Wins
Throughout his career, Holmes has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions across multiple seasons and franchises. His college career at Ohio State included participation in multiple championship games and bowl victories, while his professional career has featured consistent tackle and sack production.
College Highlights
Holmes’s most significant team accomplishments came during his time at Ohio State. As a member of the Buckeyes from 2014 to 2017, he was part of two Big Ten Championship teams and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship squad. The Buckeyes posted a 4-1 record in the five bowl games Holmes participated in during his career. His 85 career tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and 5 sacks reflected his contributions as a consistent performer in Ohio State’s defense.
Professional Career Statistics
As of the 2025 NFL season, Holmes has recorded 104 career tackles, 4 career sacks, and 3 pass deflections across his time with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders. These statistics reflect his role as a rotational player who contributes to defensive efforts in multiple facets of the game.
Jalyn Holmes Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding Jalyn Holmes’s family background. He was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Lake Taylor High School. His path from Lake Taylor to Ohio State to the NFL represents a significant personal achievement rooted in his Virginia upbringing.
Personal Life
Holmes maintains an active presence on social media, with accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. He continues to pursue his professional football career while navigating the unique challenges that come with being a journeyman player in the NFL. Beyond football, Holmes focuses on his craft and maintaining the physical conditioning required to compete at the highest level of professional football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Holmes’s career as he returned to the Washington Commanders following his mid-season arrival in 2024. After re-signing with the team in March 2025, Holmes participated in training camp and preseason activities as part of the Commanders’ defensive line competition. His familiarity with the organization from his 2024 stint provided him with a foundation to build upon entering the regular season.
Throughout the season, Holmes served in a rotational role along Washington’s defensive front, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts in both the running and passing games. His experience across multiple NFL franchises gave him valuable versatility that the coaching staff could utilize in various situations. The team valued his professionalism and work ethic, demonstrated by their decision to keep him on the roster through multiple roster moves during the season.
Holmes’s ability to remain in the NFL through multiple team affiliations reflects his determination and adaptability. The 2025 season represented another opportunity for him to showcase his abilities while contributing to a Commanders team building toward future success. As he continued his professional journey, Holmes remained focused on making the most of each opportunity presented to him in the highly competitive NFL environment.