Holley played four seasons at Kent State, appearing in 43 games for the Golden Flashes, contributing with 424 tackles, three sacks and one interception. He finished his collegiate career in the top 10 on the Golden Flashes’ all-time tackles list. During his senior season, he led the nation with an average of 8.9 solo tackles per game. For his career, he had 426 total tackles including 15 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and seven pass breakups. He was named first-team all-Mid-American Conference in 2014 and 2015.
Professional career
Early career
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft Holley signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but was later released. He signed with the Indoor Football League’s Nebraska Danger on May 22, 2018; Holley played in only 2 games with Nebraska, but still put up an impressive 23 tackles and a forced fumble. Holley next signed with the Los Angeles Rams on June 8, 2018, but was waived at the conclusion of training camp.
Calgary Stampeders
Holley signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League on May 19, 2019. Holley had a very productive first season in the league, playing in all 18 regular season games and contributing with 78 defensive tackles, 22 special teams tackles, one sack and one interception. Following the season he was named the league's Most Outstanding Rookie. On February 14, 2020 the CFLPA filed a grievance against the CFL on behalf of Holley. Holley is seeking to be released from his contract so he can pursue NFL opportunities, as was the agreement when he signed his two-year contract the year prior. In late April, after the NFL window had closed, the CFLPA announced that they were taking Holley's case to arbitration.
Personal life
Nate Holley has a twin named Nick, who is a running back: They played college football together at Kent State and were on the Los Angeles Rams and Nebraska Danger together. In early November 2016 Holley was charged with felony kidnapping and assault. He was immediately suspended by the NCAA and released by the Kent State Golden Flashes football program. In February 2017, three months after being charged, Nate Holley was found not guilty.
