Where Are They Now?

ERNIE HOLMES
Defensive Tackle
1972-77

Wiergate, Texas

 

 

What is your current job and what does it entail?
I live on a ranch on the Southeast border of Texas called Wiergate, Texas. I am an ordained minister and I have a church there in Texas. I am into my spiritual being.

What was it like to come back to Heinz Field and be an honorary captain for the game against the Browns?
It was a pleasure. After the coin toss they did this video and some fight music. The surge hit me and I wanted the shoulder pads and the cleats. I went to make a fast move and both knees started moving. I remember what Whitey Ford taught me, if you knees don’t rattle they aren’t any good. Mine didn’t rattle so I figured it was best to walk off the field.

 

It was a pleasure being in front of that crowd. There was electricity that was flowing. It’s something you don’t get every day when you don’t participate in sports.

 

There were Browns fans next to where I was sitting. I was having fun. As I left I let the Browns know my feelings as I hollered down to them one more time.

 

What was it like seeing the Terrible Towels waving, something that started when you were a player?
I was hoping to see Myron Cope. I didn’t get a chance to see him. It was fun seeing that Towel waving. I did get to visit with Bill Nunn. We had some great on field and off field times that it was fun talking about.

 

What is the fondest memory from your playing career?

There were so many. To make it one would be hard. The appreciation I had for the Chief and the things he did for. I wanted to accomplish the goal of pleasing him and bring to atonement where he wanted the Steelers to be. I made a commitment to him and tried with all of my heart to do that.

 

What did you like most about playing for the Steelers?

It was the unity, the appreciation for each other. It was a family. Pittsburgh itself was a family. As a young player you don’t see it, but you find out the entire area is a family. It’s amazing what has been done to the city since I have been away. I get lost when I am in the downtown area now.  

 

Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?

At least three or four times a year the Steel Curtain gets together. I am always calling LC (Greenwood), Dwight (White) or Joe (Greene). We don’t get the chance to sit down in each other’s homes, but we are in touch. This was a great situation for me to come back here for this game. It’s about coming home and I consider this my home.

 

What was it like being a part of the Steel Curtain?
It was the camaraderie, it’s the do-or-die situation. You might have some old guys, but the young guys today wouldn’t be able to survive the duration of the game. The strategy might have changed, but the logistics haven’t. You have to have people sacrifice to accomplish one goal.

 

 

Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely?

I follow them as closely as I can being down in Texas. I am a Steeler and a diehard Steelers fan. When I came to play, I came to win. I was satisfied playing for the Steelers, I was very satisfied.  

 

What do you see Mike Tomlin bringing to the team?

I met him on the field. He has a peace about him, I like that. A person that has a peace is able to see the situation at hand and can find a solution.  He has a subtle way of doing things. He is going to be good. He is the person we need to lead that team. He is able to listen to the history, see the future in front of him and capitalize and put it into effect on the field. I think it’s going to be a continuation of the great Steelers tradition. I hope they continue to the playoffs and Super Bowl status. That is what The Chief would like.

 

Visit the Steelers Alumni page for more on the team's former players.