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Former Baltimore Ravens Player Announces Retirement At 32

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 12:24 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens once again fell short in the NFL playoffs, bowing out in the Divisional Round to the Buffalo Bills. That loss will prove to be the final game of one of their longest-tenured players.

Appearing on the Sports Spectrum podcast this week, Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement after nine years in the league.

"After nine seasons, after much prayer and talking to my family, just going through the grind and just being happy with where I am... I decided to call it a career," Pierce said.

After nine seasons in Baltimore and Minnesota, Michael Pierce announced his retirement from the NFL: https://t.co/Hacqt8W47m
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2025

In nine years with the Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, Pierce played in 99 games and started 59. He finishes his career with 238 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, 25 QB hits, six passes defended, three forced fumbles and six fumbles recovered.

One of the final plays of his career was an interception, which we'll address later.

NFL fans on social media were disheartened to hear that he's retiring and are wishing him the best moving forward:

"Great career! Hope he finds success in whatever he does next," one user wrote on X.

"Pierce was a force on the defensive line. That interception last season was legendary. Congrats on a great career!"

"congrats to the big man on the great career."

"Sad to see him go."

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens smiles after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns on January 4, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

Pierce became an immediate fan favorite during the 2024 NFL season when he recorded a "big man interception" off Bailey Zappe in a game against the Cleveland Browns. In one of the most viral moments of the season, he started running the ball back but decided to think better of it and just kneeled instead.

"Did I want to try for 6? So there's a long history of turning big guy interceptions and fumbles and all that stuff into memes. So at the risk of ruining a career play like that for myself, it's time to go home. The bus was out of gas," Pierce said in January.

"I'm glad I caught it most importantly... I'm going to be honest. I don't want to curse on TV, but (my thought was) 'Oh, s-word. Oh my god, he really threw this football.'"

We wish Pierce all the best in his retirement.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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