Michael Pierce

Michael Pierce, born on November 6, 1992, in Daphne, Alabama, established a notable career as a nose tackle in the National Football League. He played college football for the Tulane Green Wave before transferring to the Samford Bulldogs. Despite not being invited to the NFL Combine, Pierce demonstrated his athletic capabilities at his Pro Day, recording a 10-meter split faster than many defensive linemen at the combine and a broad jump within the top 15 for his position. These early career achievements set the stage for his entry into professional football without being drafted.

Pierce signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2016. In his rookie year of the 2016 season, he participated in all 16 games, accumulating 35 tackles, two sacks, and one pass defended, showcasing his immediate impact on the field. His performance earned him a second-round restricted free agent tender from the Ravens in March 2019, followed by a re-signing in May of the same year. He then moved to the Minnesota Vikings, signing a three-year, $27 million contract in March 2020. However, he opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to play for the Vikings in 2021 before being released in March 2022.

Pierce subsequently returned to the Baltimore Ravens, signing a three-year, $16.5 million contract on March 17, 2022. During the 2022 season, he sustained a biceps injury in Week 3, leading to season-ending surgery. He made a strong return in the 2023 season as the starting nose tackle. In January 2024, he signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension through the 2025 season. A significant highlight from his 2024 season included his first career interception against the Cleveland Browns, distinguishing him as the heaviest NFL player to record an interception since at least 2000. He announced his retirement from the NFL on March 12, 2025, after nine seasons.