Jalyn Holmes Bio
Jalyn Holmes (born January 25, 1996) is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 282 pounds, Holmes plays on the edge of the defensive line, using his length and athleticism to pressure quarterbacks and set the edge against the run. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he was part of a national championship team, and entered the NFL after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Since then, Holmes has worked to build a steady professional career across several organizations.
Throughout his NFL journey, Holmes has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders. His career path reflects the persistence required to remain in the league, as he has moved between active rosters and practice squads while continuing to develop his craft as a pass rusher and run defender.
Early Life and Background
Jalyn Holmes was born on January 25, 1996, in Norfolk, Virginia. Growing up in the Hampton Roads area, he attended Lake Taylor High School, a program known for producing competitive football talent in the region. At Lake Taylor, Holmes developed into a highly regarded defensive end prospect, drawing attention from college recruiters across the country thanks to his combination of size, quickness, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.
His performances in high school helped him earn a scholarship to one of the most storied programs in college football. Holmes chose to attend Ohio State, a decision that would place him in a defensive system known for developing NFL-caliber edge rushers.
Path to American Football
Holmes joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2014 and quickly began working toward a role on the defensive line. He redshirted during his freshman year, using the season to adjust to the speed and complexity of big-time college football while building strength and refining his technique. The patience paid off, as he became a regular contributor beginning in 2015.
From 2015 to 2017, Holmes appeared in every Ohio State game, playing in 40 contests across three seasons. He earned two Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference selections and finished his college career with 85 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and 5 sacks. During his time in Columbus, he participated in two Big Ten Championship games and five bowl games, helping the Buckeyes post a 4–1 record across those postseason appearances.
Jalyn Holmes Career
Early Career (2014–2017, College)
Holmes spent his college years as a reliable rotational defensive end for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After redshirting in 2014, he stepped into a larger role in 2015 and was part of the team that won the College Football Playoff National Championship that same season. His ability to play on early downs and contribute as a situational pass rusher made him a valuable piece of the Buckeyes’ defensive front.
Over his final two college seasons, Holmes continued to develop, picking up All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors twice and finishing his career as a respected veteran presence on the defensive line. His combination of experience, production, and measurables made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams heading into the 2018 draft.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2018–2021)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Holmes in the fourth round, 102nd overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $3.191 million, including a signing bonus of $731,396. As a rookie, Holmes adjusted to the professional level while contributing on special teams and in defensive packages. In Week 7 of the 2018 season, he recorded his first career sack, bringing down Sam Darnold during a 37–17 road victory over the New York Jets, a moment that marked his arrival as an NFL pass rusher.
Holmes remained with the Vikings through the 2020 season, working primarily as a rotational defensive end. On September 1, 2021, he was waived by Minnesota, ending his initial tenure with the team that had drafted him.
Journeyman Years (2021–2023)
After his release from Minnesota, Holmes joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad on September 6, 2021, and was promoted to the active roster on October 6 of that year, giving him an opportunity to continue his career in the NFC South.
In 2022, Holmes signed with the New York Giants on May 18 but was waived during final roster cuts on August 30. He then signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad on October 4, 2022, and was elevated to the active roster on January 4, 2023, before being released on August 4. On August 14, 2023, he joined the New York Jets, where he moved between the practice squad and active roster multiple times, showing the resilience required to maintain a career in the NFL.
Washington Commanders Era (2024–Present)
Holmes signed with the Washington Commanders on October 16, 2024, adding veteran depth to their defensive line. He recorded his first sack as a member of the Commanders in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, a performance that helped solidify his role within the rotation. On March 19, 2025, Holmes re-signed with Washington, signaling the organization’s continued confidence in his contributions.
During the 2025 season, Holmes was waived on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted back to the active roster on September 15 after Deatrich Wise Jr. was placed on injured reserve, providing additional depth at defensive end. Holmes was released on October 18 but re-signed with the team three days later, continuing his pattern of perseverance at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Holmes’ first career sack against Sam Darnold in 2018 remains a defining early moment in his NFL journey, as it confirmed his ability to produce at the highest level. His first sack as a member of the Washington Commanders, recorded in Week 8 of the 2024 season against the Chicago Bears, marked another key milestone in his time in the league.
Jalyn Holmes Career Wins
While Holmes’ statistical résumé is built more on contributions as a rotational defender than on headline-grabbing win totals, his career includes notable team achievements and individual firsts. As a college player at Ohio State, he was part of the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship team, a signature accomplishment that highlighted his role on one of the most successful programs of that era.
Ohio State Highlights
During his time with the Buckeyes, Holmes played in two Big Ten Championship games and five bowl games, helping Ohio State go 4–1 across those postseason contests. His selection as a two-time Honorable Mention All-Big Ten performer underscored his consistency and value to the defensive line rotation.
Other Wins & Performances
Holmes’ professional resume includes steady work on special teams and as a situational pass rusher across multiple organizations. His ability to consistently earn opportunities at the NFL level, despite frequent movement between rosters and practice squads, stands as one of the defining features of his career.
Jalyn Holmes Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Holmes grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Lake Taylor High School. While specific details about his parents and immediate family are not widely documented, his development in Virginia’s competitive football environment played a key role in shaping his path to Ohio State and the NFL.
Personal Life
Holmes maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career and daily activities. He has remained focused on his professional football journey, channeling his energy into maintaining a long-term career in the league.
2025 Season Performance
Holmes entered the 2025 season looking to build on his late-2024 momentum with the Washington Commanders. After re-signing with the team in March, he was waived during training camp and re-signed to the practice squad on August 27. His promotion to the active roster on September 15, following the placement of Deatrich Wise Jr. on injured reserve, gave the Commanders additional experience on the edge.
Although Holmes was released on October 18, his quick re-signing three days later reflected his continued value to the team’s defensive plans. His role within Washington’s rotation allowed him to contribute as both a run defender and a pass rusher, adding depth to a defensive line in need of experienced bodies.
Heading into the back half of the 2025 season, Holmes’ outlook centers on consistency, durability, and making the most of his opportunities on the active roster. His familiarity with Washington’s defensive scheme, combined with his experience across multiple teams, positions him as a reliable rotational piece for the Commanders’ defensive front.