National Football League

Holmes, former UW star, dies at 48

Published Oct. 27, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Former University of Washington star Ron Holmes, who spent eight seasons in the NFL, died Thursday at the age of 48.

Holmes, who was living in DuPont, Wash., had been battling diabetes and coronary issues, his friend Mike Michael told the Seattle Times. He is survived by two children.

An All-American defensive lineman, Holmes was named to the All-Pac-10 first team in 1983 and 1984 and won the Morris Trophy — awarded to the best offensive and defensive lineman in the Pac-10 — in '84.

He also was named the Huskies' MVP in 1984, a year in which the team went 11-1 and was ranked No. 2 in the country.

Holmes was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay, staying with the team from 1985-88, before playing with the Denver Broncos from 1989-1992. He started at defensive end in the Broncos' Super Bowl XXIV loss to the San Francisco 49ers.