Gus Hollomon attended French High School in Beaumont, Texas, where he excelled as a quarterback and earned “All-City” honors for his leadership and athleticism. Known for his strong arm and ability to read defenses, Hollomon stood out as one of the most talented prep quarterbacks in the region during the mid-1960s. His success on the field earned him an opportunity to play at the University of Houston, where he initially continued as a quarterback during his freshman year. However, coaches quickly recognized his exceptional field vision and tackling instincts, prompting a move to safety in his sophomore season—a transition that would define the rest of his football career.

​

At the University of Houston, Hollomon became one of the most reliable and productive defensive backs in program history. He intercepted six passes as a junior in 1966 and followed that with five more as a senior in 1967, demonstrating both consistency and playmaking ability. He also proved to be a versatile athlete, serving as the team’s punter during his senior year, averaging 49.1 yards on seven punts—an impressive mark for a position player. Over his three varsity seasons, Hollomon anchored the Cougars’ secondary, leading the defensive unit in minutes played in both 1965 and 1966. His 14 career interceptions remain a University of Houston record, as does his 200 interception return yards, placing him among the school’s all-time defensive greats.

​

Hollomon entered professional football in 1968 when he was drafted by the Denver Broncos of the American Football League. Transitioning smoothly to the professional game, he settled into the role of strong safety, where his instincts and physicality made him an asset to Denver’s defense. During his tenure with the Broncos, he also demonstrated his versatility by filling in as punter when Billy Van Heusen suffered a knee injury, averaging 39.7 yards over 47 kicks. His ability to contribute on both defense and special teams underscored the adaptability that had characterized his college career. Hollomon’s time in Denver helped solidify his reputation as a dependable, hard-working player who could be counted on to perform in multiple roles.

​

In 1970, Hollomon signed with the New York Jets, where he continued his professional career through the 1972 season. He provided valuable experience and depth in the defensive backfield, contributing to both defensive coverage and special teams during his three years with the team. After the 1972 season, he retired from professional football