Baltimore Ravens star Michael Pierce had a memorable moment on Saturday during the team’s regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
After nine seasons in the NFL and countless hours of football at various levels, Pierce, a 355-pound defensive tackle, caught his first career interception.
His reaction? “Oh, s***!”
While Pierce has earned a reputation as one of the best defensive players on his team, this moment was a first for him.
Despite years of playing in high school, college, and the NFL, this was the first time a quarterback ever threw him a pass.
The Play That Made History
The interception came during a crucial moment in the game.
Pierce started on the line of scrimmage and dropped back into pass coverage after the snap.
With the Browns’ primary receivers covered, quarterback Bailey Zappe attempted a check-down throw to running back Jacob Kibodi.
However, the two were not on the same page, and the ball landed perfectly in Pierce’s hands.
Pierce quickly returned the ball for a few yards before kneeling down to end the play, and his teammates rushed in to celebrate the rare feat.
It was a lighthearted moment for Pierce, who admitted he couldn’t believe what had just happened.
A Humble and Hilarious Reaction
When asked about his thoughts after catching the ball, Pierce couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t want to curse on TV, but ‘Oh, s-word,’” he said, sharing the initial shock he felt in the moment.
Although Pierce has recovered a few fumbles in his career, this was his first-ever interception.
The big man clearly wasn’t expecting it, but he took the moment in stride with his trademark humor.
As he joked about the internet’s tendency to turn big-guy plays into viral memes, Pierce made sure to “get down” after the play to avoid ending up as an Instagram laughingstock.
“The bus was out of gas, we’re good,” he added, playfully calling it a day after his big interception.
A Crucial Win for the Ravens
Despite the humorous moment, the Ravens’ victory against the Browns was significant.
The win essentially secured the Ravens’ position as the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, guaranteeing them a Wild Card home game.
They’ll be facing either the Steelers or the Chargers, with high hopes for advancing.
“I’m grateful and I’m glad I caught it, more importantly,” Pierce said, reflecting on the rare achievement. “God is a funny, funny guy.”
A Tinge of Concern: Zay Flowers’ Knee Injury
Unfortunately, the win wasn’t without its concerns.
Star wide receiver Zay Flowers suffered a knee injury during the game and was unable to return.
Early reports suggest that Flowers may have sprained his knee, and his status for the upcoming playoff game remains uncertain.
Knee sprains can take weeks to heal, so the Ravens are anxiously awaiting further updates on his condition.
Pierce’s Journey: From the Ravens to the Vikings and Back
Michael Pierce’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary.
He began his NFL career with the Ravens before spending two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 and 2021.
Pierce returned to Baltimore in 2022, where he’s been a key player ever since.
The interception against the Browns was just another chapter in his long and successful career, which will now extend into the postseason.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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