Earl Holmes: Pick #126 in the 1996 NFL Draft

Earl Holmes is a former middle linebacker out of Florida A&M, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 126th overall pick (round 4) in the 1996 NFL Draft. He played 140 regular-season games from 1996 to 2005. From 1999 on, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

Draft Details

Year

1996

Round

Round 4

Pick

126th overall

Team

Pittsburgh Steelers

Position

MLB

College

Florida A&M

Earl Holmes Career Stats

Primary starter for 9 seasons.
Ranks 6th in the 1996 draft class in solo tackles (684).

Career Totals

Games	Solo Tkl	Sacks	Def INT
140	684	11.5	1

Defense

Season	Team	G	Solo	Ast	TFL	Sacks	QB Hits	PD	FF
1999	PIT	16	60	26	7	0	0	3	0
2000	PIT	16	57	41	8	1	0	9	2
2001	PIT	16	66	33	14	2	2	2	2
2002	CLE	16	74	32	6	0	0	5	1
2003	DET	16	60	29	0	2	0	0	0
2004	DET	16	67	33	0	0	0	2	0
2005	DET	11	41	24	0	0	0	1	2
Since 1999		107	425	218	35	5	2	22	7

G = games with at least one recorded statistic; the career games total in the summary above includes every game played.

Season-by-season detail is available from 1999 on; career totals above cover the full career.

Source: nflverse · Updated Sep 28, 2026

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