Player to Broadcaster; Pierce Retires from Football to Join ESPN
Antonio Pierce has decided to say goodbye to the NFL- at least the playing aspect. The former linebacker of the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins has announced his retirement from the NFL and will join ESPN as an analyst.
"I am definitely going to miss the fans, the locker room talks, and the excitement of putting on a NFL uniform every Sunday, but I am ready to put on a new uniform, and I am extremely excited about contributing my knowledge and experience in this new endeavor to the championship team at ESPN. I thank my family, friends, teammates, and fans for their support throughout my career and as I move in this new and exciting direction," Pierce said in a statement.
The 31-year old played nine seasons in his NFL career. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins in 2001 and stayed in Washington for four seasons.
In his rookie season with the Redskins, Pierce played in all 16 games and started in eight of those games. He recorded 52 tackles, one sack and one interception.
His playing time in his next two seasons was sparse. Over the course of the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Pierce recorded a total of 33 tackles.
In 2004, Pierce finally received an opportunity to be a starter when Michael Barrow went down to injury. Pierce filled in beautifully as he logged a career high 114 tackles. He added on a sack and two interceptions, one of which he returned 76 yards for a touchdown.
The next season, the linebacker signed with division rival New York Giants to start at inside linebacker. Pierce was promptly named the captain of the defense. Pierce enjoyed a successful 2005 season. In 13 games, Pierce notched 100 tackles, two interceptions and one forced tackle returned for a touchdown. His season was cut short due to an injury suffered in the 13th game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. He missed the last three regular season games and the Giants only playoff game which they lost to Carolina.
In 2006, Pierce enjoyed perhaps his best season as he logged a new career high 138 tackles, a sack, an interception and eight defended passes. He was named to the Pro Bowl that season
He led the Giants in tackles three times and under his leadership, the Giants did not have a losing season and won their third Super Bowl in the 2007 season. The Giants went on a magical ride in the playoffs and upset the undefeated Patriots 17-14. Pierce and the Giants defense became the first defense all season to truly solve Tom Brady and the most prolific offense in NFL history to seal the championship.
This past season marked Pierce’s last NFL season as he posted 51 tackles, three tackles for losses, a sack, two passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
In his five seasons with the Giants, Pierce totaled; 537 tackles (322 solo), seven sacks, six forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and four interceptions. Pierce also had 44 postseason tackles.
Now, the game has lost another warrior but ESPN has gained a great defensive mind that will provide some great insight for the years to come.
Pierce enjoyed a successful NFL career and is fortunate to walk out on his own two feet and can be proud of what he accomplished. He has proven that he’s a winner and a very smart football player. Now he can make a living without having to bang up his body every Sunday and will enjoy some lost time with his family.
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