Pat Holmes took an atypical route to the NFL, as in 1962, he passed up on the Philadelphia Eagles, who took him in the Third Round in 1962, and went to Calgary Stampeders of the CFL instead.  A CFL All-Star in 1965, Holmes went back to the United States in 1966, though not to Philadelphia, but Houston of the American Football League.

Holmes became one of the few players to earn All-Stars in both the CFL and AFL when the Defensive Lineman earned the latter honor in his second season with the Oilers.  He was also a First Team All-Pro that year.  Holmes was an All-Star again in 1969, and he remained with Houston until 1972 when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the Oilers, Holmes recorded an even 30.0 Sacks.