Lions salute GM Holmes with matching NC A&T draft jerseys.

The Detroit Lions kept a fun tradition alive on Day 3 of the NFL Draft by honoring general manager Brad Holmes in a special way. Inside the team’s draft war room, president Rod Wood and other front office members donned Holmes’ No. 95 North Carolina A&T jersey—his college number—as a nod to his alma mater and an exciting personal milestone.

On May 10, Holmes will give the commencement speech at North Carolina A&T, continuing his advocacy for HBCUs and their importance in the NFL. Holmes, a former Aggies football player who graduated cum laude in 2002, has made it a mission to spotlight historically Black colleges throughout his career.

This year’s gesture mirrors last year’s Day 3 moment when the front office wore matching jerseys featuring head coach Dan Campbell’s No. 89. Holmes’ connection to HBCUs runs deep—from drafting Jackson State’s James Houston to inviting the North Carolina A&T band to perform during Lions and Falcons games. He also hosted a panel at Ford Field to inspire Detroit youth to consider HBCUs.

Holmes told ESPN, “I know the hurdles HBCUs face—lack of funding, limited resources—but I’m proud to represent them and use my platform to help however I can.” He credited Deion Sanders with boosting HBCU visibility and said he’s committed to continuing that momentum from the NFL front office.