1. Antonio Durran Pierce was born on October 26,1978 and is an American professional football coach and former linebacker.
39 Facts About Antonio Pierce
1. 2.
Antonio Pierce served as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League in 2023 and 2024.
3.
Antonio Pierce played college football for the Arizona Wildcats and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins, and later played for the Giants.
4.
In 2014, Antonio Pierce began his coaching career as the head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and then served as an assistant coach at Arizona State University from 2018 to 2021.
5.
Antonio Pierce played high school football at Paramount High School in Paramount, California.
6.
Antonio Pierce then played two years of football at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, before transferring to the University of Arizona.
7.
Antonio Pierce was not taken in the 2001 NFL draft after his senior year because many NFL scouts considered him too undersized to play linebacker in the NFL.
8.
Antonio Pierce played in all 16 games as a rookie, with only eight starts.
9.
Antonio Pierce recorded 52 tackles, one sack, and one interception during his rookie campaign.
10.
That season, Antonio Pierce logged a career-high 114 tackles, 95 of them solo.
11.
Antonio Pierce had one forced fumble, one sack, and two interceptions, including a pick off Ken Dorsey returned 76 yards for a touchdown.
12.
Antonio Pierce became the captain of the defense, and in 13 games, Pierce notched 100 tackles, 80 of them solo, two interceptions, and one forced fumble returned for a touchdown.
13.
In 2006, Antonio Pierce recorded a career-high 138 tackles, a sack, an interception, and defended eight passes.
14.
Antonio Pierce was named as a first alternate for the Pro Bowl.
15.
Antonio Pierce was invited to play in Hawaii after Brian Urlacher suffered a toe injury in Super Bowl XLI, and withdrew from the Pro Bowl.
16.
Antonio Pierce made a key tackle in the first half of the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, stopping running back Brandon Jackson on a screen pass on 3rd and 8, saving a touchdown and forcing the Packers to settle for a field goal instead.
17.
Antonio Pierce helped Burress and rushed him to a nearby hospital to tend to his injury.
18.
Antonio Pierce was then sought by the NYPD for questioning as it is against New York law not to report a shooting, which Antonio Pierce or anyone else in attendance did not do.
19.
Antonio Pierce was released by the team on February 11,2010.
20.
Antonio Pierce stated that he would then begin his career as an NFL analyst for ESPN.
21.
On February 7,2014, Antonio Pierce was named the head coach at national powerhouse Long Beach Polytechnic High School, replacing Raul Lara, who stepped down as the head coach of the program after 13 seasons.
22.
On December 21,2017, Antonio Pierce announced his resignation as head coach and was named linebackers coach at Arizona State University.
23.
On January 20,2021, Antonio Pierce was elevated to be the sole defensive coordinator at ASU after sharing the role with Marvin Lewis during the 2020 season.
24.
Antonio Pierce resigned during an NCAA recruiting violation investigation prior to 2022 season.
25.
Antonio Pierce's actions were described as a "scheme" and involved Antonio Pierce taking individuals to a gentleman's club as part of recruiting visits.
26.
In 2022, Antonio Pierce was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as their linebackers coach under head coach Josh McDaniels.
27.
On October 31,2023, Antonio Pierce was named the interim head coach of the Raiders following the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels.
28.
On November 5,2023, Antonio Pierce made his head coaching debut against the New York Giants, for whom he had previously played.
29.
Antonio Pierce is married to Jocelyn and is the father of seven.
30.
For several years, Antonio Pierce has offered a free football camp for underprivileged youths.
31.
Antonio Pierce is involved in the "Read Across America" program where he reads to children whose parents are undergoing treatment for chemical dependency at the Odyssey House in Harlem.
32.
In 2007, Antonio Pierce received the "United Way Man of the Year" award and was honored by the Catholic Diocese for his support of the community.
33.
Antonio Pierce was honored at the 2008 ESPY awards along with the Giants.
34.
Antonio Pierce was present when teammate Plaxico Burress negligently shot himself in the thigh at the Latin Quarter Night Club in New York City on November 28,2008.
35.
Police say that Antonio Pierce drove Burress to the hospital and then returned home with the gun in the glove compartment of his car.
36.
Burress was charged with, and ultimately pleaded guilty to, criminal possession of a weapon; however Antonio Pierce was not indicted on any charges.
37.
Antonio Pierce was represented in the matter by notable NYC criminal defense attorney, Michael F Bachner.
38.
Antonio Pierce served as a communications intern on The Howard Stern Show on May 7,2008.
39.
Antonio Pierce stated he would like to pursue a career in broadcasting after his NFL career.