James Pierre Explained

James Pierre
Current Team:Washington Commanders
Number:29
Position:Cornerback
Birth Date:16 September 1996
Birth Place:Deerfield Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:185
High School:Deerfield Beach
College:Florida Atlantic (2017–2019)
Undraftedyear:2020
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Statleague:NFL
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Tackles
Statvalue1:94
Statlabel2:Sacks
Statlabel3:Forced fumbles
Statvalue3:3
Statlabel4:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue4:1
Statlabel5:Pass deflections
Statvalue5:8
Statlabel6:Interceptions
Statvalue6:2
Pfr:PierJa01

James Pierre Jr. (born September 16, 1996) is an American football cornerback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Atlantic Owls and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Early life

Pierre attended Deerfield Beach High School. As a senior, he registered 48 tackles, four interceptions and two pass break-ups, helping Deerfield Beach to a 10–2 record. The Miami Herald named him one of the Top 25 seniors in Broward County, while the Sun-Sentinel named him all-county honorable mention. Pierre was considered a three-star prospect and the No. 48 safety in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports.com's composite rankings. He initially committed to Miami (FL) over offers from Louisville, Mississippi State, Tennessee, South Carolina and Wisconsin, but switched his commitment to North Carolina in February 2016. Pierre was denied admission and committed to Syracuse.[1]

College career

Pierre was ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA for his freshman season.[2] He transferred to Florida Atlantic and had 21 tackles and two pass deflections as a freshman in 2017.[3] Pierre posted 55 tackles and nine pass breakups as a sophomore.[4] On November 2, 2019, he made two interceptions in a 35–24 win over Western Kentucky.[5] As a junior in 2019, Pierre recorded 44 tackles, 4.5 tackles for losses and three interceptions. He finished his collegiate career with 120 total tackles, 18 pass breakups, 8 1/2 tackles for losses and three interceptions in 39 games. Pierre declared for the NFL Draft following the season.[6]

Professional career

Pittsburgh Steelers

After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Pierre signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[7] He was named to the Steelers' initial 53-man roster, the only undrafted free agent to make the team in that fashion in 2020.[8] On September 19, 2021, Pierre made his first career NFL start, filling in due to a groin injury to Joe Haden.[9] Pierre made his first NFL interception in a game against the Denver Broncos on October 10, 2021.[10]

On March 21, 2023, Pierre re–signed with the Steelers.[11]

Washington Commanders

Pierre signed with the Washington Commanders on March 21, 2024.[12]

Personal life

Pierre's cousin is two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.[13]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Bailey . Stephen . May 20, 2016 . Syracuse football announces signing of James Pierre; 3-star DB details decision . September 9, 2020 . The Post-Standard.
  2. News: Bailey . Stephen . August 29, 2016 . Syracuse football DB signee James Pierre does not qualify with NCAA . September 9, 2020 . The Post-Standard.
  3. News: Elman . Jake . April 16, 2016 . Florida Atlantic cornerback James Pierre looks to finish spring camp with flourish . September 9, 2020 . Palm Beach Post.
  4. News: Elman . Jake . July 29, 2019 . FAU football: James Pierre, Owls secondary need to continue strong spring performance into regular season . September 9, 2020 . Palm Beach Post.
  5. News: November 2, 2019 . James Pierre makes 2 picks as Florida Atlantic tops Western Kentucky football . September 9, 2020 . . Associated Press.
  6. News: Price . Khobi . January 2, 2020 . FAU cornerback James Pierre declares for NFL draft . September 9, 2020 . Sun-Sentinel.
  7. News: Price . Khobi . April 26, 2020 . FAU's James Pierre, Rashad Smith, Brandon Walton agree to NFL deals as undrafted free agents . September 9, 2020 . Sun-Sentinel.
  8. News: Adamski . Chris . September 7, 2020 . Tall, athletic CB James Pierre pleased to make Steelers as undrafted free agent . September 9, 2020 . Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  9. News: Adamski . Chris . September 20, 2021 . Steelers CB James Pierre fills in on short notice as 'next man up' in place of Joe Haden . October 2, 2021 . Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  10. News: Alper . Josh . October 10, 2021 . Steelers snap losing streak, beat Broncos 27-19 . October 10, 2021.
  11. Web site: Steelers Re-Sign CB James Pierre. April 29, 2024. si.com. en.
  12. News: Commanders add cornerback James Pierre in latest free-agency move. WashingtonTimes.com. Liam. Griffin. March 21, 2024. March 27, 2024.
  13. Web site: James Pierre Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College Pro-Football-Reference.com . August 8, 2023 . Pro-Football Reference . Sports Reference LLC.