Ten Things – Tyler Holmes

Tyler Holmes is in his sixth year with the Toronto Argonauts. A native of Nepean, Ontario, just outside Ottawa, Holmes was the Argos first-round pick, chosen seventh overall in the 2011 CFL draft. Argonauts.ca Featured Writer Mike Hogan did some digging to find more about the man inside the helmet.

ACTION!

Holmes has a busy timetable. He’s a football player by day, then husband and father when his workday is through. He appreciates his rare moments of down time.

“I like to watch movies and read when I get the chance. I saw Avengers, I liked it, it was entertaining. Not too thought provoking, but just entertaining.”

BINGE WORTHY

Argonauts.ca asked Holmes which TV series he most recently watched from start to finish, or was hooked on right now.

“We’re actually on ’13 Reasons Why’ right now. It’s heavy for sure, but it’s good. It is thought provoking and it brings attention to mental illness. It gives it a different perspective.”

LEGACY ARGO

Tyler’s dad was also an Argo. Richard was a running back who played for the Double Blue in 1977, over a decade before Tyler was born. Richard also played in Winnipeg and Ottawa, where the family settled.

“Growing up, his friends and other people would just assume and ask me ‘When are you going to start playing football.’ It definitely was in the back of my mind growing up and was something I always wanted to do and saw myself doing.”

What was the key piece of advice father had for son?

“Just work hard. He preached that. He was the guy that would work out with me every day. That’s probably the biggest thing he instilled in me, discipline and hard work.”

HURRICANE HOLMES

After graduating from Merivale High School in Nepean, Holmes headed to the University of Tulsa, where he was a Golden Hurricane for four seasons. Why did he end up going to a school so far away?”

“I went on a few visits and I really liked it there. I felt that I could play pretty much right away. I ended up redshirting, but I got to start for four years so it worked out well.”

“Academically it’s a Top 50 business school so I was fortunate enough to get a great education as well.”

SUPERSTITION AIN’T THE WAY

Some players are extremely superstitious. They have to put on their right shoe before their left one. They have to eat at a certain time, or drive a certain route to the stadium. Does Holmes put a lot into a specific ritual?

“Not too much. I definitely have a routine, but nothing that would be earth shattering. I get to the stadium four hours before the game and just take my time getting ready, get a stretch, things like that.”

FEED THE BIG MAN

The stereotype of an offensive linemen is that they like to pack away the calories. What does the 6’4”, 300 pounder have to eat before a game?

“It depends on what time we’re playing. I don’t like to play on a full tank, so it’s usually something pretty light. A sub or something like that.”

LIVING THE DREAM

Holmes had the opportunity to do what everyone hopes they can do, live out their childhood dream. Holmes did that when he spent his first season as pro with the Minnesota Vikings.

“The Vikings were my favourite team growing up. Walking in there day one, I was wide eyed.”

When asked if he did the unthinkable and checked himself out in the mirror the first time he pulled on a Vikings uniform, it caused the big man to start chuckling.

“Ya, definitely. I’d like to say I didn’t and be cool, but I definitely popped over to the bathroom and checked it out. I took a couple of pictures.”

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Like most talented kids, Holmes played several positions when he was growing up. While he’d eventually earn a living blocking for running backs, he once carried the ball himself, just like his pop.

“It was my first year laying football at Merivale. I think I led the team in scoring with two touchdowns that season. It was a bit of a struggle but it was fun. It was my first taste of football so I loved it.”

ROAD WARRIOR

Every player has a favourite road trip. Argonauts.ca asked Holmes which CFL stop was his favourite, Taking Toronto and Ottawa out of the mix.

“Probably Vancouver. I had just never been out there. Just the pace of life out there and the city is so beautiful. It’s definitely a great place.”

BEST. MEMORY. EVER.

It’s the dream of every athlete to win a championship. For Holmes, not only did he get to experience winning a Grey Cup, but he got an opportunity to do it in his hometown. Aside from the game itself, what was his favourite memory of the week?

“Afterwards, just being on the field with my family and a few of my friends were down there as well. Just being able to do it in front of high-school friends and family was awesome.”