NFL CAREER – Originally signed by Cleveland as an undrafted free agent in 2016 out of Pittsburgh, Holtz's versatility in the run game, passing game and on special teams has carved out a solid career for him. He has played in 44 games with eight starts, recording seven receptions for 91 yards and 11 coverage stops. After recording four special teams tackles for Chicago in 2021, Holtz signed with New Orleans in the 2022 offseason to compete on offense and in the kicking game for snaps.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed by New Orleans, 4/5/22; Re-signed by Chicago, 4/17/20; Acquired by Chicago from Washington off of waivers, 9/11/19; Waived by Washington, 9/10/19; Signed by Washington to 53-man roster from practice squad, 9/7/19; Signed to Washington practice squad, 9/1/19; Waived by Washington, 8/31/19; Signed by Washington to 53-man roster from practice squad, 12/29/18; Signed to Washington practice squad, 9/5/18; Waived by Washington, 9/1/18; Signed by Washington, 8/11/18; Practice squad contract terminated by Cleveland, 10/10/17; Signed to Cleveland practice squad, 9/3/17; Waived by Cleveland, 9/2/17; Signed by Cleveland to a reserve/future contract, 1/2/17; Signed to Cleveland practice squad, 12/20/16; Waived by Cleveland, 9/3/16; Signed by Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, 5/5/16.
2021 – Played in 13 games in final season in Chicago and recorded four special teams stops. Posted one special teams stop vs. Detroit, Oct. 3…Finished with one coverage tackle in Thanksgiving win at Detroit, Nov. 25. 2020 – Played in all 16 games with one start; started and lined up at FB in the Week One victory at Detroit...Saw action as a reserve and on special teams in every other game; recorded four special teams stops, including career-high two vs. Detroit, Dec. 6. 2019 – Appeared in one game as a reserve for Washington before being waived, then claimed by Bears...Played in 14 games (seven starts) for Bears, catching seven passes for 91 yards...Caught season-high three passes for 56 yards, including a career-long 30-yarder, in Week 14 victory over the Cowboys. 2018 – After spending the first 16 weeks on the Washington practice squad, signed to 53-man roster in Week 17. 2017 – After going to training camp with Cleveland, spent the first five weeks on their practice squad. 2016 – After going to training camp with the Browns, signed to the practice squad on Dec. 20.
COLLEGE – In four seasons for the Panthers from 2012-15, Holtz posted 81 receptions for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a senior in 2015, he posted 24 grabs for 350 yards (14.6 avg.) with four scoring grabs…Majored in administration of justice.
PERSONAL – One of the WPIAL's most versatile and highly recruited players at Shaler (Pittsburgh, Pa.) Area HS...Contributed at no fewer than five different positions during his varsity career, including RB, WR, TE, LB and P...Played QB as freshman...Considered one of the country's top TE prospects...Rated nation's No. 10 TE by Scout...As a senior, rushed for 337 yards on 72 carries, caught 19 passes for 332 yards and scored 15 TDs...Pennsylvania Football News All-Class AAAA...Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"...Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "Terrific 25"...Led Shaler to WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs as senior...Four-year football and basketball letterman...Played C on basketball team and helped Shaler to 20-2 regular-season mark, WPIAL Section 3 title and PIAA Class AAAA playoffs as senior...John Paul Holtz was born Aug. 28, 1993…Brother, Rob, played football at the College of Wooster...Father, Bob played football at California University of Pennsylvania...Mother played volleyball and softball at Robert Morris University.
