History of Antonio Pierce in Timeline

Antonio Pierce is a former NFL linebacker and current football coach. He most recently served as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and 2024. His career highlights involve transitioning from a player to a coaching role within the NFL.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 26, 1978: Antonio Pierce Born

On October 26, 1978, Antonio Durran Pierce was born. He later became an American professional football coach and former linebacker.

Others born on this day/year

1997: CCCAA State Title

In the fall of 1997, as a sophomore, Antonio Pierce helped lead Mt. SAC to the CCCAA state title, intercepting a pass for the Mounties in the fourth quarter of a 38–35 win over San Francisco City College.

2001: Went Undrafted in NFL Draft

In 2001, Antonio Pierce was not taken in the NFL draft after his senior year because NFL scouts considered him too undersized to play linebacker in the NFL.

2001: Signed by the Washington Redskins

In 2001, Antonio Pierce was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins. He played in all 16 games as a rookie, with eight starts.

2002: Played for the Washington Redskins

In 2002, Antonio Pierce played sporadically for the Washington Redskins, recording only 18 tackles.

2003: Continued Playing for the Washington Redskins

In 2003, Antonio Pierce continued to play sporadically for the Washington Redskins, recording only 15 tackles.

2004: Breakthrough Season with the Redskins

In the 2004 season, Antonio Pierce played a full season for the first time with the Washington Redskins, logging a career-high 114 tackles. He also had one forced fumble, one sack, and two interceptions.

March 3, 2005: Signed by the New York Giants

On March 3, 2005, Antonio Pierce signed with the New York Giants to start at middle linebacker.

2006: Giants Academy Spokesperson and Read Across America Involvement

In 2006, Antonio Pierce became the spokesperson for Giants Academy and was also involved in the "Read Across America" program.

2006: Career-High Tackles and Pro Bowl Alternate

In 2006, Antonio Pierce recorded a career-high 138 tackles and was named as a first alternate for the Pro Bowl. He was invited to play in Hawaii after Brian Urlacher withdrew from the Pro Bowl.

2007: Key Figure in Giants' Super Bowl Run

During the 2007 season, Antonio Pierce played a central role in the New York Giants' path to winning their third Super Bowl title. He made a key tackle in the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers.

2007: "United Way Man of the Year" Award

In 2007, Antonio Pierce received the "United Way Man of the Year" award and was honored by the Catholic Diocese for his support of the community.

2007: Won Super Bowl with New York Giants

In the 2007 season, Antonio Pierce won a Super Bowl playing with the New York Giants.

May 7, 2008: Communications Intern on The Howard Stern Show

On May 7, 2008, Antonio Pierce served as a communications intern on The Howard Stern Show and expressed interest in a broadcasting career.

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November 9, 2008: Involved in Plaxico Burress Shooting Incident

On the early morning hours of November 9, 2008, Antonio Pierce assisted Plaxico Burress after Burress accidentally discharged an unlicensed gun at a night club in New York City. Pierce helped Burress and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Pierce was questioned by the NYPD but did not face charges.

November 28, 2008: Present at Plaxico Burress Shooting

On November 28, 2008, Antonio Pierce was present when Plaxico Burress negligently shot himself in the thigh. Pierce drove Burress to the hospital.

2008: Honored at ESPY Awards

In 2008, Antonio Pierce was honored at the ESPY awards along with the Giants.

August 3, 2009: Cleared of All Criminal Charges

On August 3, 2009, Antonio Pierce was cleared of all criminal charges stemming from the Plaxico Burress shooting incident.

February 11, 2010: Released by the Giants

On February 11, 2010, Antonio Pierce was released by the New York Giants.

July 8, 2010: Announced Retirement and ESPN Analyst Career

On July 8, 2010, Antonio Pierce announced his retirement from football and stated that he would begin his career as an NFL analyst for ESPN.

February 7, 2014: Named Head Coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School

On February 7, 2014, Antonio Pierce was named the head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

2014: Began Coaching Career

In 2014, Antonio Pierce began his coaching career as the head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

2016: Jackrabbits Struggled

In 2016, the Jackrabbits struggled under Pierce, missing the playoffs.

December 21, 2017: Resigned as Head Coach, Named Linebackers Coach

On December 21, 2017, Antonio Pierce resigned as head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and was named linebackers coach at Arizona State University.

2017: Continued Struggles at Long Beach Polytechnic High School

In 2017, struggles continued at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. The program failed to reach double-digit wins and were blown out in the playoffs.

2018: Assistant Coach at Arizona State University

In 2018, Antonio Pierce served as an assistant coach at Arizona State University.

2020: Co-Defensive Coordinator at ASU

In 2020, Antonio Pierce shared the role of co-defensive coordinator alongside Marvin Lewis at Arizona State University.

2020: Raiders First Win Over Chiefs Since 2020

On Christmas Day, Antonio Pierce coached the Raiders to their first win against the Chiefs since 2020.

January 20, 2021: Elevated to Sole Defensive Coordinator at ASU

On January 20, 2021, Antonio Pierce was elevated to be the sole defensive coordinator at Arizona State University.

2021: Continued as Assistant Coach at ASU

In 2021, Antonio Pierce continued serving as an assistant coach at Arizona State University.

2022: Resigned During NCAA Investigation

In 2022, Antonio Pierce resigned from ASU during an NCAA recruiting violation investigation.

2022: Hired by Las Vegas Raiders

In 2022, Antonio Pierce was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as their linebackers coach under head coach Josh McDaniels.

August 2023: ASU announced Self-Imposed Bowl Ban

In August 2023, Arizona State University announced a self-imposed bowl ban, hoping to lessen further penalties resulting from the ongoing investigation.