Practice Squad Comeback: Jimmy Holiday’s Emotional Journey Amid Chiefs’ Depth Challenges

Practice Squad Comeback: Jimmy Holiday’s Emotional Journey Amid Chiefs’ Depth Challenges
November 13, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs made a surprising roster move this week, bringing wide receiver Jimmy Holiday back to their practice squad just one week after cutting him. Holiday, an undrafted rookie from the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a fixture in the Chiefs’ system since offseason workouts, moving between preseason action and the practice squad with occasional roster fluctuations.

Holiday’s college journey was anything but conventional. Recruited as a three-star dual-threat quarterback at Tennessee, he quickly transitioned to wide receiver. After three unremarkable seasons, he transferred to Western Kentucky in 2023 before landing at Louisiana Tech, where he had a breakout campaign with 658 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 39 receptions and 48 rushes. That versatility caught the attention of Kansas City’s scouts.

The Chiefs initially signed Holiday after an impressive rookie minicamp, praising his adaptability and playmaking instincts. Despite the brief setback of being released, Holiday’s return highlights the organization’s belief in his potential. GM Brett Veach said it best: “Jimmy Holiday Is The Type Of Player You Can’t Afford To Lose. Practice Squad Isn’t A Dead End—It’s Where Stars Are Made. He’s Ready, Hungry, And Waiting For The Moment To Prove He Belongs On The Field.”

Head coach Andy Reid added a colorful take on Holiday’s abilities. “He runs routes like he’s dancing in Memphis,” Reid said. “One-handed catches in the rain? That’s instinct. We brought him back so when our starters tire, Jimmy steps in.”

Holiday himself spoke candidly about the rollercoaster. “Getting cut hurt, no lie. But I went home, ate ribs with my mom, listened to OutKast… then the call came: ‘Come back.’ I’m not here to sit—I’m here to make plays and make Mahomes say, ‘Who’s that?’”

Even teammates got in on the fun. Rashee Rice joked on X/Twitter: “@JHoliday19 back? Good. Run your routes after me—don’t make me teach you the hard way at Arrowhead. 🔥 #ChiefsKingdom”

For Holiday, the emotional highlight came off the field. A personal note from his mother tucked inside his new #19 jersey reminded him why every setback was temporary. By the time he ran his first practice route, Patrick Mahomes was already spotting him in drills, setting the stage for a rookie story that’s only just beginning. This practice squad warrior, once cut, had found his way home—twice.