Ravens Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce Retires After Nine NFL Seasons

Pierce, known for his run-stopping prowess, announced his decision on a podcast, reflecting on a career spanning Baltimore and Minnesota.

Michael Pierce, 32, announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons, citing satisfaction with his career and a desire to pursue other opportunities.
Pierce played for the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, finishing his career with 238 tackles, 9.5 sacks, six fumble recoveries, and 25 quarterback hits in 99 games.
He was celebrated for his run-stopping ability, contributing to Baltimore's consistently top-ranked rush defense during his tenure.
In his final regular-season game, Pierce recorded his first career interception, becoming the heaviest NFL player in 25 years to achieve this feat.
Pierce, an undrafted free agent from Samford in 2016, earned over $27 million in his career and leaves behind a $2 million dead cap hit for the Ravens in 2025.