Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday after nearly a decade in the league.
Pierce, 32, spent nine years in the NFL with the Ravens and one season with the Minnesota Vikings. He opted out in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I decided to call it a career,” Pierce said. “Sports Spectrum” Podcast. “It's been a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful nine years. I helped me along the way.”
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Baltimore Ravens Nose Tackle Michael Pierce will play a pre-match match against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. (Mitch Stringer-Usa Today Sports)
“I personally would like to thank Jesus Christ, clearly my Lord and Savior, first and foremost.”
One of those he thanked was former Ravens general manager Ozzy Newsom, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
Pierce spent the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens, signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Vikings before the 2020 season.
Nose tackle opted out of the Covid season and played one season with the Vikings before it was released. Pierce then returned to where it all began and returned to the Ravens on a three-year, $16.5 million contract.
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Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce will win the field alongside military service members before his match against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jessica Rapfogel-Usa Today Sports)
Over his nine-year career, Pierce had a total of 218 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 19 losses, six fumble recovery and one memorable interception.
The Ravens rose 35-10 against the Cleveland Browns in week 18 on January 4, 2025, just over two minutes in the fourth quarter.
Pierce, a 355-pound nose tackle, fell into coverage, intercepting Bailey Zappe and returned six yards before kneeling.
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Michael Pierce of the Baltimore Ravens attacks Tommy DeVite of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. (image)
Pierce's intercept made the Ravens a thrill as the team poured out a side hustle to upset him.
“I was shocked by my peers, I'm not going to lie to you,” Pierce said of his intercept in a social media post.
Pierce's intercept came at the final snap of his regular season career.
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