Gerald Holmes established a notable collegiate football career as a running back for Michigan State University, accumulating 1,302 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 295 carries across 39 career games, including 14 starts. He further contributed with 29 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown. In 2014, Holmes collected 44 rushing yards on 15 carries in three games of action. His sophomore year in 2015 marked significant performance, ranking second on the team in rushing with 540 yards and eight touchdowns, with five of those scores occurring in the fourth quarter.
He achieved his second career 100-yard rushing game with 100 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame, a game which also featured his career-long 73-yard scoring run. His consistent performance solidified his role as a key contributor to the team’s ground attack. By his senior year in 2017, Holmes rushed for 287 yards on 79 carries, complemented by eight receptions for 80 yards. Off the field, he was recognized for his leadership, serving as part of the team’s Eagles leadership council.
He received the MSU President’s Award for senior perseverance (offense) and the MSU-Football Players Association Community Service Award, reflecting his dedication and impact beyond athletics. Demonstrating a diverse skill set and an early interest in creative fields, Holmes earned his bachelor’s degree in Studio Art in December 2017. Leveraging his disciplined athletic background and creative academic foundation, Holmes is actively transitioning his focus toward opportunities in creative marketing, social media management, and brand storytelling. His proven ability to perform under pressure, lead teams, and connect with audiences, combined with his formal education in studio art, positions him uniquely to apply his experience and creativity to developing compelling narratives and engaging brand strategies for future endeavors.