James Pierre

James Pierre's Biography

James Pierre Jr., an American-born NFL professional, currently serves as a cornerback in the renowned Pittsburgh Steelers team. Born on September 16, 1996, Pierre’s rise through the ranks of American football is a testament to his hard work, tenacity, and sheer talent. From his early days on high school fields to his professional career in the National Football League (NFL), Pierre has demonstrated an undeniable prowess that sets him apart in this competitive sport.

Pierre’s initial trajectory in the field of football commenced at Deerfield Beach High School. During his senior year, he marked an impressive record with 48 tackles, four interceptions, and two pass break-ups. These outstanding performances contributed significantly to the Deerfield Beach team’s remarkable 10-2 record. His performance didn’t go unnoticed, with the Miami Herald naming him among the Top 25 seniors in Broward County. The Sun-Sentinel too acknowledged his talent with an all-county honorable mention. Rated as a three-star prospect, Pierre was ranked the No. 48 safety in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports.com’s composite rankings.

His football prowess attracted interest from several universities, including Miami (FL), Louisville, Mississippi State, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Initially, Pierre committed to Miami (FL) but decided in February 2016 to join North Carolina. However, this transition was short-lived as Pierre was denied admission to North Carolina. This led him to subsequently commit to Syracuse.

However, Pierre faced a significant hurdle on his collegiate football journey, as he was ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA for his freshman season. This did not deter Pierre’s dreams of pursuing football, though. He took the opportunity to transfer to Florida Atlantic, where he made a promising start with 21 tackles and two pass deflections as a freshman in 2017. Progressing in his sophomore year, he achieved 55 tackles and nine pass breakups.

On November 2, 2019, Pierre showed exemplary skills with two interceptions in a 35–24 triumph over Western Kentucky. During his junior year in 2019, Pierre recorded 44 tackles, 4.5 tackles for losses, and three interceptions. His collegiate career concluded with an impressive 120 total tackles, 18 pass breakups, 8 1/2 tackles for losses, and three interceptions in 39 games.

In 2020, Pierre declared for the NFL Draft. Despite going undrafted, he got his breakthrough by signing an undrafted free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers – the only undrafted free agent to make the team’s initial 53-man roster that year.

Pierre’s professional career took a significant leap on September 19, 2021, when he made his first NFL start, filling in for a player sidelined by a groin injury. October 10, 2021, became another memorable date as it marked Pierre’s first NFL interception in a game against the Denver Broncos. Following this, on March 21, 2023, Pierre re-signed with the Steelers.

The following year, on March 21, 2024, Pierre made a brief transition to the Washington Commanders. However, he was released on August 27, 2024, a move that led him back to the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 17, 2024. Representing the team, Pierre played against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 22, 2024, and later signed up with the active roster on September 24.

Off the field, Pierre shares a familial bond with greatness – his cousin, the two-time NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson.