A New Rhythm: The Journey of Lexington's Ty Holmes
For those in Lexington, North Carolina, the name Ty Holmes still resonates. A standout linebacker for the Lexington Senior High School class of 2009, Holmes went on to make his mark at East Carolina University, where he was part of a football program that experienced immense success. We recently caught up with him to discuss his journey from the gridiron to his current life as a professional DJ and family man.
Holmes’s time at East Carolina was defined by a culture of winning. He played a key role in the team's back-to-back championships, a feat accomplished right after star running back Chris Johnson left for the NFL. "It was a wonderful time," he recalls, but the true highlight for him was playing against some of the best athletes in the country. He remembers competing against NFL stars such as Alshon Jeffery, Jadeveon Clowney, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Mallett, Cam Chancellor, Ryan Williams, and Russell Wilson just to name a few. Holmes holds those experiences in high regard and extends his best wishes to all his former teammates and opponents.
From Tackles to Turntables
Today, Ty Holmes has traded his helmet for headphones. He is a full-time professional disc jockey, spinning tracks and setting the mood at events in the Raleigh and Charlotte areas. It's a different kind of performance, but one that still requires immense passion and a keen sense of timing. He's also a dedicated family man, now married with two boys. The transition from the field to a new career and family life wasn't a huge leap for Holmes. He says the lessons he learned as an athlete about drive and discipline have been essential in his life. "Life's going to happen, and it's your job as an adult to be able to keep the momentum," he emphasizes. This is the advice he wants to pass on to today's youth: success in the "real world" comes from a relentless personal drive, whether you're tackling an opponent, building a career, or raising a family.
He credits his father as his biggest influencer. Holmes's father never had to micromanage his academics or sports; his presence in the household was enough. "Just by him being in the household is what made me a better man," Holmes shares, highlighting the subtle but powerful impact of a supportive family on character development. His father provided a stable foundation that allowed him to focus on his goals and excel.
A Special Class and a Final Message
Holmes also took a moment to reflect on his graduating class from Lexington Senior High School. He says the Class of 2009 was "very special" because they all shared a common goal: "winning and representing the City of Lexington." This shared mental concept created a unique bond and a collective drive for success.
His closing message to today's generation is simple but critical: take sound advice. Holmes observes that many young people are getting distracted by the wrong things and not taking their education or their athletic pursuits seriously. He believes that the rise of social media has made it even more challenging for kids today.
Holmes leaves us with a final, powerful thought: "Nine times out of ten, the person telling you something or preaching to you has either been where you're trying to get to, and they believe in you and will fight to get you there. Listen!" It’s a call to action—a reminder that a little humility and a willingness to listen can change a life.
