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Rams Receiver Holt Is A Pro's Pro

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By IRA KAUFMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 22, 2007

TAMPA - Torry Holt is likely to reach an impressive career milestone Sunday, and he plans to celebrate in typical Torry Holt style.

Quiet, dignified and professional.

Playing a flamboyant position often defined by the theatrics of Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson, the prolific Rams receiver doesn't draw attention to himself, even as he warrants attention from every secondary St. Louis faces.

'I've just never been a guy that expresses himself like that,' Holt said of the end-zone antics so prevalent in the league. 'That's just never been my style. I'm not saying that what they're doing is bad. For me, it just doesn't work. My thing is just to let my play do my talking.'

Holt's play screams out for recognition.

With 10,822 career receiving yards, Holt needs 34 yards against the Bucs to pass Gary Clark for 20th place on the NFL's all-time list.

Holt and fellow-wideout Isaac Bruce are back for their ninth season together in St. Louis, giving defensive coordinators fits and providing quarterback Marc Bulger with a comfort level when the game is up for grabs.

'Torry's a true professional,' Rams coach Scott Linehan said. 'Everyone knows he's a great route runner, he has great hands and he's got a nose for the end zone. But he's also one of those class guys you wish you'd hear more about. He's a guy that has a positive message and creates a positive environment. I can't say enough good things about him.'

Holt arrived out of North Carolina State as a first-round pick in 1999, when the Rams won a Super Bowl with Kurt Warner firing footballs and defensive lineman Kevin Carter earning his first Pro Bowl trip.

'Torry was our rookie sensation that year,' said Carter, who will be facing some former St. Louis teammates Sunday. 'He certainly didn't play like a rookie and a big part of that was due to Isaac. Both are consummate professionals and those two guys get it done year in and year out.'

The Bucs have had little success shutting down Holt, who leads all NFL players in receiving yards since 2000 and ranks second to Marvin Harrison of the Colts with 673 receptions in that span.

If you want to brighten Holt's day, give him his props as a pro's pro.

'When people make comments about Torry Holt in regards to being a craftsman or a true professional, that puts the biggest smile on my face,' he said. 'I pride myself and I'm very conscientious about taking that approach day in and day out on the football field. For someone to give me those compliments, I'm very appreciative.'

Holt will be looking for some redemption this weekend.

Although he caught five passes and scored the only St. Louis touchdown in last week's 17-16 loss to San Francisco, Holt was victimized in a crucial third-quarter sequence. Cornerback Nate Clements, beaten on a crossing pattern, caught up to Holt and punched the ball out of his hands just as Holt crossed the 49ers 10-yard line.

The ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback.

A motivated Holt is a dangerous man.

'Torry Holt is a guy who knows how to get open and he always seems to make the big play,' Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips said. 'Those are things you can't teach.'

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