Alec Pierce: From Bearcat to NFL Star and Engineering Graduate
Alec Pierce's journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the football field. From his days as a standout wide receiver at the University of Cincinnati (UC) to his current role as a key player for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL), Pierce has consistently defied expectations and achieved remarkable success.
Early Years and Recruitment
Alec Joseph Pierce, born on May 2, 2000, hails from Glen Ellyn, Illinois. As a high school senior, he garnered attention from numerous colleges, receiving nearly 20 offers from institutions such as Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. Ultimately, Pierce chose the University of Cincinnati, drawn in part by its esteemed mechanical engineering program.
The University of Cincinnati Bearcat
Pierce's time at Cincinnati was marked by his exceptional performance on the football field and his dedication to his academic pursuits.
Academic Excellence
Pierce excelled academically, maintaining a 3.8 grade-point average while pursuing a challenging mechanical engineering degree. He even managed to graduate in just 3.5 years, a feat that many critics deemed impossible for a student-athlete. This accomplishment showcases his exceptional time management skills and unwavering commitment to both his sport and his studies.
"My Wednesday schedule my freshman year was crazy - and it taught me time management," Pierce said, reflecting on his demanding schedule. "I’d literally leave practice early, run up the steps, grab my books and go straight to class." This rigorous routine instilled in him a strong work ethic and the ability to prioritize tasks, qualities that would serve him well throughout his career.
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Pierce's interest in engineering stemmed from his aptitude for math and science, as well as his fascination with cars. During his time at UC, he gained practical experience in the Micro and Nano Manufacturing lab on campus and worked part-time in manufacturing at Valco Melton in Fairfield, Ohio.
Professor Nora Honken recalled meeting a UC fan at the Military Bowl in 2018 who told her his son played on the UC team. "I told him I taught engineering, so I probably did not have his son as a student. Right after he told me his son was a first-year engineering student, Alec made a great tackle on a kickoff." This anecdote highlights Pierce's immediate impact on the field, even as a freshman balancing demanding coursework.
The engineering curriculum at UC was rigorous, with "Engineering Design II" covering a wide range of topics including Python, LabVIEW, Visual Basic, electrical theory, statistics, mechanics, and material balance. Students were required to complete multiple projects, homework assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Football Prowess
On the gridiron, Pierce quickly established himself as a formidable wide receiver, known for his toughness, athleticism, and ability to make contested catches. In 45 games, he amassed 106 receptions for 1,851 yards and 12 touchdowns. His breakout performance came during the historic 2021 College Football Playoff run, where he caught six passes for 144 yards in UC’s 24-13 victory over No. 16 Houston.
That season, Cincinnati achieved a remarkable 13-0 record, securing their second consecutive American Athletic Conference title and earning a Cotton Bowl berth against No. 1 Alabama. Pierce played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to their high-powered offense and making key plays in critical moments.
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Pierce fondly remembers his time with the Bearcats, not only for the championships and playoff appearances but also for the camaraderie and friendships he forged with his teammates. "Winning championships and making the playoff were amazing, but the best part was the friendships - training camp at Higher Ground, living with my roommates, and just being around the guys every day," he said. "Cincinnati gave me everything - great friends, a degree and the chance to play at the highest level."
Competition and Camaraderie
Pierce's development as a player was significantly influenced by the intense competition he faced in practice, particularly against Sauce Gardner, Coby Bryant, and Bryan Cook, all of whom went on to play in the NFL. "Every day we went up against Sauce [Gardner], Coby [Bryant], and Bryan [Cook]," Pierce said. "That competition made us better. Sauce is one of the best to ever do it, and Coby and Bryan are incredible players too."
Gardner, now a highly-paid cornerback in the NFL, won the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year award and signed a lucrative contract extension. The daily battles between Pierce and Gardner on the practice field honed their skills and prepared them for the challenges of professional football.
"Thinking back to college, (he was) just super competitive," Pierce recalled about Gardner. "Even, like, we would do walkthroughs at night and that walkthrough would turn quickly into pretty much going about 90 percent because he's trying to press you, you're trying to get off the press, whatever."
As a boundary receiver, Pierce often matched up against Gardner, a boundary cornerback. The two pushed each other to improve, constantly learning and adapting to each other's strengths and weaknesses. Pierce credits his time going against Gardner for teaching him how to be physical with defenders.
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Transition to the NFL
Pierce's outstanding college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL.
Draft and Early Career
Alec Pierce was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 53rd overall pick. He quickly made his mark, catching his first career touchdown in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game the Colts won 34-27. He later posted team-highs in catches (four) and receiving yards (86) while adding his second-career touchdown on NBC Sunday Night Football. In Week 14 of the 2023 season against the Tennessee Titans, Pierce had his first career 100-yard game.
In 2025, Pierce made 15 appearances (14 starts) for Indianapolis, recording 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns.
Reunion with Gardner
In a notable turn of events, the Colts traded for Sauce Gardner, reuniting Pierce with his former college teammate. Pierce expressed his excitement about Gardner joining the team, stating, "I think just being in this environment and being on a team that has a good record, I think that'll bring the best out of him. I think, (with his) competitiveness, I think he'll play up to the standard."
Head coach Shane Steichen echoed Pierce's sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact Gardner's arrival would have on the team. "We got a lot of belief in our football team, and when you make a move like that, it's huge," Steichen said.
Pierce played a key role in helping Gardner adjust to his new team, ensuring his teammates knew the kind of player and person Gardner was. Their connection even helped Gardner secure his preferred jersey number.
"I was just telling him, like, I'm not gonna be 'brother-in-lawing' you in practice and stuff like that," Gardner said, laughing. "We always joke and things like that, so it was just great."
The reunion of Pierce and Gardner on the Colts roster brought back memories of their competitive battles at Cincinnati, where they honed their skills and pushed each other to become better players. Now, as teammates in the NFL, they continue to challenge each other and strive for excellence.
Off-Field Pursuits
Beyond football, Pierce has cultivated a growing interest in business and investing. He joined the Sigma Sigma honorary fraternity during his senior year at UC and was mentored by Jason Kelce through the organization.
"I do some investing and work with my financial advisor - he’s a UC guy," Pierce said. He also enjoys playing golf and even won the NFLPA Golf Classic with Desmond Ridder, Sauce Gardner, and Josh Whyle.
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