Stephen Nathan Pierce (born December 12, 1963) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Illinois.
Pierce was born on December 12, 1963, in San Diego, California,[1] and attended Lincoln High School, where he participated in football, baseball, and wrestling.[2][3] He gave up baseball to play football at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California.[2][4] Pierce led the Apaches to a 19–3 combined record in 1982 and 1983, and was the offensive MVP of the 1983 South Bay-Kiwanis Bowl after he recorded 13 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown in the 24–11 win over El Camino.[5] He was a two-time first-team all-Mission Conference selection.[6][7] Pierce was inducted into the Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.[8]
Following his sophomore season, Pierce transferred to Illinois.[9] However, he broke his foot in the preseason and took a redshirt in 1984.[10] In 1985, Pierce recorded 49 receptions for 614 yards and two touchdowns,[11] earning all-Big Ten Conference honorable mention from the Associated Press (AP).[12] In 1986, he recorded 43 receptions for 602 yards and three touchdowns, earning second-team all-Big Ten honors.[citation needed] Pierce earned a bachelor's degree in political science.[8]
In September 1987, Pierce signed with the Cleveland Browns as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL strike.[13] He played in two games, recording two receptions for 21 yards.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Steve Pierce stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ a b Camama, Abner (September 4, 1983). "SWC receiver Pierce has eyes set on 'SC". Chula Vista Star-News. p. D1. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Bandukwala, Shezad (October 6, 1985). "Illinois receiver 'Pierces' OSU". The Sunday Dispatch. p. C2. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Nahill, Jeff (August 14, 1983). "SWC's Hinzo gives up football". Chula Vista Star-News. p. A9. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Nahill, Jeff (December 4, 1983). "Pierce steals the show in bowl win, 24-11". Chula Vista Star-News. p. B1. Retrieved January 24, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Junior College Football; All-Mission Conference Teams". Chula Vista Star-News. December 12, 1982. p. B6. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Football picks announced". Chula Vista Star-News. December 11, 1983. p. B2. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Stephen Pierce". Southwestern Jaguars Athletics. Archived from the original on June 13, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ Suggett, Wayne (December 25, 1983). "Pierce signs with Illinois". Chula Vista Star-News. p. D1 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Markus, Robert (October 8, 1985). "A real catch for Illinois". Chicago Tribune. p. 48 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Korzenowski, Scott (September 5, 1986). "Illini switch focus to defense, running game". The Rock Island Argus. p. A10. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "All-Big Ten team". The Southern Illinoisan. December 5, 1985. p. 14. Retrieved January 25, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Meyer, Ed (September 25, 1987). "Non-union players already paying a price". Akron Beacon Journal. p. D1, D4. Retrieved January 24, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
- Career statistics from NFL.com · Pro Football Reference
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