A Baltimore Ravens veteran player who entered the league as an underdog is exiting the league at 32. Wednesday is the start of the league new year, and NFL teams are busy finalizing roster transactions for the start of free agency.
The Ravens took care of business before the start of free agency when they re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley before he went to the market. He was expected to be a key target for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Ravens will be without a defensive tackle who was a major force on the team during his two stints with the team.
Baltimore Ravens DT announces retirement
Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
During an appearance on Sports Spectrum, Michael Pierce announced his retirement from the league at 32.
“After much prayer, talking to my family, just going through the grind man, and just being satisfied where I am, looking forward to doing other things in life, I just decided to call it a career,” Pierce said. “So it’s been a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, nine years. I’ve had so many people help me along the way. I’d like to thank a few people personally, obviously my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost.
“I would go to my dad, who sacrificed so much for me to even be here, from down to moving high schools down to Mobile (Alabama) so I could play. He believed in me that much. Thankful to my dad for the sacrifice he made for not only myself, but like I said, for our family. Thankful to my wife for the amazing, amazing support.”
BIG news from Ravens DT Michael Pierce on our Sports Spectrum podcast @Sports_Spectrum pic.twitter.com/ziO5ZXi43X
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 12, 2025
Pierce was signed by the Ravens in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of Samford. He credited former general manager Ozzie Newsome for taking a chance on him out of college.
“And then we can go down to Ozzie Newsome, who gave me a start out of Sanford, undrafted kid,” Pierce said. “I guess, yeah, not a lot of people felt that I could play, but Ozzy and his staff coach Joe Cullen was my first D line coach. They gave me a chance when not many people were willing to take a chance on me.”
Related: Ravens fans unsure about DeAndre Hopkins signing
Pierce played with Baltimore through 2019. He joined the Minnesota Vikings for 2020-21 before going back to Baltimore in 2022. He recorded 238 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles during his NFL career. He appeared in 99 games and started 59, 51 of those starts came with the Ravens.
baltimore ravens michael pierce washington commanders
Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Pierce (58) applies pressure against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
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