Antonio Pierce Biography
Antonio Durran Pierce is an American football coach and former linebacker. He is the interim head coach and linebackers coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. Pierce’s journey to his current position is an inspiring tale of perseverance and defying expectations.
Antonio Pierce Age
Pierce was born on October 26, 1978, in Long Beach, California, U.S. He is 45 years old as of 2024. Antonio celebrates his birthday on 26th October each year.
Antonio Pierce Height
Pierce stands at an approximate height of 6 feet and 3 inches.
Antonio Pierce Family
Pierce was born on October 26, 1978, in Long Beach, California, U.S. Raised in California, Antonio is the son of Arthur and Brenda Pierce. Pierce’s father, Cleo Burrows, hails from Bermuda. He has two brothers, Arthur Jr. and Andre, and a sister named Alicia.
Antonio Pierce’s Wife
Pierce is married to Jocelyn and is the proud father of seven children. They reside in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
Antonio Pierce’s Net Worth
Pierce has an estimated net worth of $25 Million which he has earned through his successful career as a coach and former linebacker.
Antonio Pierce Education
Pierce’s football journey began at Paramount High School in Paramount, California, where he played as a linebacker and fullback. As a senior for the Pirates, Pierce’s standout performance earned him All-CIF Southern Section Division 2 accolades as a linebacker. After high school, Pierce continued his football career at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, where he played for two years.
Following his success at Mount San Antonio College, Pierce transferred to the University of Arizona. During his senior year at Arizona, Pierce showcased his skills with three sacks, 77 tackles (ten for losses), two forced fumbles, one interception, and one blocked kick, earning him All-Pac-10 honorable mention recognition. Despite his impressive college career, Pierce went undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft as many NFL scouts considered him too undersized to play linebacker at the professional level.
Antonio Pierce Career
Pierce enjoyed a nine-season NFL career, playing for the Washington Redskins from 2001 to 2004 and the New York Giants from 2005 to 2009. Renowned for his leadership, and playmaking ability, Pierce established himself as a defensive force in the league. Super Bowl Champion: Pierce played a role in the New York Giants’ triumphant journey to win Super Bowl XLII in 2008.
His exceptional performance, marked by his interceptions throughout the playoffs, contributed significantly to the team’s success. Pro Bowl Selection: In recognition of his outstanding talent, Pierce earned a selection to the Pro Bowl in 2006, a prestigious honor reserved for the league’s elite players. Defensive Leader: Pierce emerged as a vocal leader on the field, inspiring his teammates and instilling fear in opponents.
Known for his pre-game rituals and impassioned speeches, often delivered with his trademark bandana covering his mouth, Pierce’s leadership left an indelible mark on the teams he played for. Retirement: Unfortunately, injuries ultimately led to Pierce’s retirement in 2010. Despite his departure from the game, he left behind a legacy characterized by defensive dominance and unwavering leadership.
Antonio Pierce Plaxico Burress Incident
Pierce found himself involved in a highly publicized incident when his teammate, Plaxico Burress, accidentally shot himself in the thigh at the Latin Quarter Night Club in New York City on November 28, 2008. Reports indicate that Pierce drove Burress to the hospital following the incident, and upon his return home, the gun involved was allegedly kept in the glove compartment of his car. As a result, the police impounded Pierce’s SUV to conduct further investigation, searching for traces of blood and gunpowder residue.
While Burress faced charges and eventually pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, Pierce was not indicted on any charges related to the incident. On August 3, 2009, Pierce was officially cleared of all criminal charges stemming from the incident, bringing an end to the legal proceedings. Throughout this period, Pierce was represented by the notable New York City criminal defense attorney, Michael F. Bachner.
Antonio Pierce Broadcasting
Pierce served as a communications intern on The Howard Stern Show on May 7, 2008. During his time there, Pierce expressed his interest in pursuing a career in broadcasting following his NFL career. Toward the end of the day’s show, he requested to extend his stay for the remainder of the week, a request that Howard Stern agreed to accommodate.
Antonio Pierce’s 5-4 record
Pierce, a respected nine-year NFL veteran player and former Super Bowl Champion, team captain, and Pro Bowl selection, assumed the role of Interim Head Coach for the Raiders in 2023. During his tenure, Pierce led the team to a 5-4 record in nine games.
Antonio Pierce Starts
Throughout his nine-year career, Pierce made a significant impact on the field, appearing in 115 games with 85 starts. During this time, he amassed a total of 732 tackles, with 462 tackles credited as solo efforts. Additionally, Pierce contributed eight sacks, seven interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.
Pierce’s impressive performance earned him a spot on the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII championship team, where he played a pivotal role in securing the title. Furthermore, his standout contributions on the field were recognized with a Pro Bowl selection in 2006, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top linebackers during his playing days.
Antonio Pierce New York Giants
The New York Giants made a significant move on March 3, 2005, by signing Antonio to fill the crucial role of starting middle linebacker. Pierce quickly emerged as the defensive captain, leading the charge on the field. In his inaugural season with the Giants, Pierce showcased his exceptional skills, tallying 100 tackles, with an impressive 80 of them credited as solo efforts.
Additionally, he recorded two interceptions and one forced fumble returned for a touchdown. However, Pierce’s stellar 2005 campaign was cut short due to a leg injury sustained during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This injury sidelined him for the final three regular-season games as well as the Giants’ lone postseason appearance, a disappointing 23–0 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Antonio Pierce Arizona State University (ASU)
Pierce has emerged as a rising star in the coaching realm, showcasing his talents and leadership on the sidelines. Promoted to Associate Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator in February 2020, Pierce has made significant contributions to the Arizona State University (ASU) football program since joining Herm Edwards’ coaching staff in December 2017.
Pierce’s impact has been undeniable, with his coaching prowess evident in the Sun Devil defense’s improvement over the past two seasons. Under his guidance, the defense has achieved notable milestones, such as finishing 35th in scoring defense during the 2019 regular season, a marked improvement from previous years. The Sun Devils have demonstrated resilience, holding opponents to 30 points or less in 17 of 26 games over the past two seasons, a stark contrast to previous defensive performances.
Antonio Pierce Long Beach Poly
In 2014, Antonio assumed the role of the iconic Long Beach Poly football program in Southern California, marking a significant chapter in his coaching career. Renowned for its storied legacy, Long Beach Poly has earned a reputation for producing more NFL players than any other high school. With over 800 wins and 20 CIF Southern Section championships to its name, Poly stands as a powerhouse in high school football history.
Pierce’s appointment as head coach signaled a new era for the Jackrabbits, as he sought to uphold the program’s esteemed traditions while instilling his own coaching philosophy and leadership style. Tasked with guiding a program rich in history and prestige, Pierce embraced the challenge with determination and vision, aiming to continue Poly’s legacy of excellence both on and off the field.
Antonio Pierce Social Media Platforms
He is active on his social media accounts and often posts on his Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.