30 Facts About Alec Pierce

Early Life and Family Background

Alec Pierce's journey to the NFL began in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he was born on May 2, 2000. His family played a significant role in shaping his athletic career.

1. Alec Pierce grew up in a sports-loving family. His father, Greg Pierce, was a former tight end who played collegiately at Northwestern University.
2. This athletic background likely influenced Alec's early interest in sports, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

High School Achievements

Pierce's high school years were marked by his versatility and excellence in multiple sports.

3. He attended Glenbard West High School in Illinois, where he excelled in football, volleyball, basketball, and track.
4. Pierce won a state championship in volleyball and set records in the triple jump and relays in track.
5. Initially, he started his high school career on the defensive side of the ball as a safety but switched to wide receiver in his junior year.

College Recruitment and Academic Draw

Pierce's talent on the field caught the attention of many top college programs, but his academic interests also played a crucial role in his decision-making.

6. He received nearly 20 scholarship offers from top programs including Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri.
7. Despite these offers, he chose to play college football at the University of Cincinnati (UC).
8. The academic program at UC was a significant factor in Pierce's decision, particularly the mechanical engineering program.

College Football Career at Cincinnati

Pierce's time at Cincinnati was transformative, both on and off the field.

9. As a true freshman, he played mostly on special teams but transitioned into a full-time wide receiver role under the guidance of new wide receivers coach Mike Brown.
10. As a sophomore, he caught 37 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Bearcats in receiving yards.
11. During his junior year, Pierce battled through knee and shoulder injuries, limiting him to just six games.
12. Despite these challenges, he still managed to lead the team in yards per reception and had notable performances against Tulsa in the AAC Championship game and Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Senior Season and College Legacy

Pierce's senior season was a testament to his growth and leadership.

13. As a senior and captain of the Bearcats, he amassed 52 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
14. He earned Second Team All-AAC honors and led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff.
15. His college statistics include 106 receptions, 1,851 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns.

NFL Draft and Professional Debut

Pierce's impressive college career led to his selection in the NFL Draft and his debut with the Indianapolis Colts.

16. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
17. His combination of size (6’3”), speed, and leaping ability made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.
18. Pierce made his NFL debut with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, quickly establishing himself as a reliable target for quarterback Matt Ryan.
19. On October 16, 2022, he caught his first career touchdown in a Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Physical Attributes and NFL Combine Performance

Pierce's physical attributes and performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as a top prospect.

20. His height is 6’3” and he weighs 211 lbs, with an arm length of 33 inches and a hand span of 9 inches.
21. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds, with a 10-yard split of 1.46 seconds and a 20-yard split of 2.48 seconds.
22. His 20-yard shuttle time was 4.20 seconds, and he completed the three-cone drill in 7.13 seconds.
23. Pierce's vertical jump was 40.5 inches, and his broad jump measured 10 ft 9 inches.
24. His speed score placed him in the 96th percentile, and his burst score was in the 94th percentile, according to PlayerProfiler advanced stats.

College Football Playoff and Notable Performances

Pierce's senior season culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance, highlighting his impact on the team.

25. His outstanding performance helped Cincinnati earn a berth in the playoff for the first time in school history.
26. One of the highlights of Pierce’s college career was his performance against Notre Dame, where he went 6 for 144 yards.

Off-field Interests and Community Involvement

Pierce's life off the field is just as impressive as his athletic achievements.

27. While excelling on the football field, Pierce also pursued his passion for mechanical engineering, completing his degree in just three and a half years.
28. He has been involved in various community activities, including supporting local youth sports programs.

Personal Life and Challenges Overcome

Pierce's personal life and the challenges he has overcome have shaped him into the player he is today.

29. He comes from a close-knit family, with his father’s athletic background and his own family’s support being instrumental in shaping his career.
30. Throughout his career, Pierce has faced numerous challenges including injuries and positional changes, consistently showing resilience and determination to achieve success.

Alec Pierce: A Rising Star

Alec Pierce's journey from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. With a sports-loving family background, he excelled in multiple sports during high school before focusing on football. His college career at Cincinnati showcased his talent, resilience, and leadership, culminating in a College Football Playoff appearance. Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce quickly made an impact, catching his first career touchdown in a thrilling game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His physical attributes, combined with his academic achievements in mechanical engineering, highlight his dedication both on and off the field. As he continues to develop in the NFL, Alec Pierce's story serves as a testament to hard work, determination, and the importance of seizing opportunities. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport.