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After re-injuring his neck in Sunday's loss to the Colts, Chiefs RB Priest Holmes has decided to call it quits. (AI Wire Photo)

After re-injuring his neck in the Chiefs' Week 11 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Priest Holmes has decided to retire.

Holmes, 34, spent the past few days counseling with family members and friends, and speaking with medical experts about a re-occurrence of the neck problems that sidelined him for two years. The decision to retire came after Holmes suffered three hits in Sunday's game at Indianapolis that left him with some tingling in his extremities.

"After the third [hit]," a source close to Holmes told ESPN.com Wednesday, "it was like Priest thought, 'Maybe this is God's way of telling me this is it.' [Coach) Herm Edwards asked him, when he came out after the third hit, if he could go back in, and it was like, 'Uh, let me think about this.' He kind of knew that was the message that this was it for him."

In 106 appearances, Holmes has carried 1,780 times for 8,172 yards and 86 touchdowns. He has posted four seasons with 1,000 yards rushing, including three years with more than 1,400 yards.

Other NFL News

• Carolina coach John Fox has named 44-year-old QB Vinny Testaverde the permanent starter for the Panthers.
• Donovan McNabb will not practice Wednesday because of ankle and thumb injuries, and it's uncertain whether the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback will play for the Eagles against New England on Sunday.
• The Baltimore Ravens placed defensive end Trevor Pryce on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.

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