Darnay Holmes Bio
Darnay Darius Robert Holmes (born June 23, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). After beginning his NFL career with the New York Giants, he went on to play for the Las Vegas Raiders and currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Holmes played college football at UCLA, where he developed into a starter as a freshman and built a reputation as a reliable defensive back.
A native of Southern California, Holmes comes from a football family and followed a steady path from a highly recruited high school prospect to a multi-year NFL contributor. Listed at 5 feet 10 inches and 198 pounds, he has carved out a role as a coverage cornerback and special teams contributor across his professional tenure.
Early Life and Background
Darnay Darius Robert Holmes was born on June 23, 1998, in Pasadena, California. He grew up in the Southern California football scene, where high school competition is closely watched by college recruiters across the country. From an early age, he was immersed in the sport through his family, particularly his father, Darick Holmes, who played in the NFL from 1995 to 1999 as a running back.
Holmes attended Calabasas High School in Calabasas, California, where he starred as a two-way player for the Coyotes. During his high school career, he led Calabasas to its first California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championship, scoring five touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams in a 42–3 victory over Palos Verdes. His performance in that title game showcased the versatility and playmaking ability that would later define his college and professional career.
A five-star recruit, Holmes was selected to play in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star games in the country. He committed to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to continue his football career, choosing the Bruins over other scholarship offers.
Path to American Football
Holmes enrolled at UCLA early to participate in the Bruins’ spring game, an early step that signaled his readiness to compete at the collegiate level. He played for UCLA from 2017 to 2019 and quickly earned a starting role as a true freshman. Across his three seasons with the Bruins, he started 33 of the 35 games he appeared in, demonstrating durability and consistency in the defensive backfield.
During his time at UCLA, Holmes developed into one of the program’s most reliable cornerbacks. He finished his college career with 120 tackles, eight interceptions, and two touchdowns, numbers that reflected both his ball-hawking instincts and his willingness to contribute in run support. After the 2019 season, he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, where his combination of experience, coverage skills, and special teams value made him an appealing prospect for professional teams.
Darnay Holmes Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Holmes was selected by the New York Giants with the 110th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He joined a Giants secondary looking for young depth and quickly worked into the team’s defensive rotation. In his rookie season, he began earning opportunities on defense and on special teams.
His first career interception came in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, when he picked off a pass thrown by Russell Wilson during a 17–12 Giants victory. That play marked a defining early moment and confirmed his ability to make plays on the ball at the professional level. On November 30, 2021, Holmes was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a rib injury suffered while intercepting Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, a sequence that underscored both his aggressive style and the physical demands of his position.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–2025)
After being released by the New York Giants in August 2024, Holmes signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on August 28, 2024. He appeared in 16 games for Las Vegas during his first season with the club, including one start, and recorded 30 tackles, one sack, and three passes defensed. His production on defense and his reliability on special teams helped him earn a continued role with the organization.
On March 18, 2025, Holmes was re-signed by the Raiders, a move that reflected the team’s confidence in his versatility and consistency. He continued to serve as a rotational cornerback and a core special teams player throughout his time in Las Vegas.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2026–Present)
On April 1, 2026, Holmes signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, joining a new defensive unit and continuing his NFL career in the NFC South. The move gave him an opportunity to expand his role within a different defensive scheme and to compete for additional playing time on defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Holmes is known for his instincts in coverage, his willingness to support the run, and his reliability on special teams. Throughout his career, he has shown a knack for timing his breaks on the ball, producing interceptions in key moments, including his first career pick against Russell Wilson and another against Jalen Hurts. His compact frame and physicality allow him to compete at the line of scrimmage, while his football intelligence and experience make him a dependable contributor in sub-packages.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Holmes’s signature moments is his five-touchdown performance in the CIF championship game at Calabasas High School, a feat that announced him as one of California’s top high school players. In the NFL, his first career interception against the Seattle Seahawks and his pick of Jalen Hurts before his rib injury stand out as early highlights. Through the 2025 season, his career totals included 164 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 21 pass deflections, and four interceptions.
Darnay Holmes Career Stats
Across his time with the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders, Holmes has compiled consistent production as a defensive back and special teams player. As of the 2025 season, his career NFL statistics include 164 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 21 pass deflections, and four interceptions, reflecting his role as a versatile defender who contributes in multiple facets of the game.
Darnay Holmes Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Holmes comes from a football family, most notably through his father, Darick Holmes, who played running back in the NFL from 1995 to 1999. Growing up around the game gave Darnay an early understanding of the work ethic and preparation required to play at the highest level. His father’s professional career served as both inspiration and a benchmark as he developed his own path through high school, college, and the NFL.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Southern California, Holmes has maintained ties to the region throughout his football journey, from his high school years at Calabasas to his college career at UCLA. Details about his personal relationships and family life outside of football are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Holmes spent the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders after being re-signed by the club on March 18, 2025. He continued in his familiar role as a rotational cornerback and a core special teams contributor, helping the Raiders’ defensive and coverage units throughout the year. His consistency and durability allowed him to remain a steady presence in the team’s secondary plans.
With his re-signing in March 2025, Holmes was positioned to compete for an expanded role on defense heading into the season, while continuing to provide leadership on special teams. His experience in multiple defensive schemes, developed across his years with the Giants and Raiders, gave him a versatile skill set heading into the next chapter of his career.