You had to see this one coming from a mile -- or a TV screen -- away. Former New York Giants' middle linebacker Antonio Pierce has announced his retirement from the NFL. As seemingly all well-spoken athletes do these days, he will become an ESPN NFL analyst.
↵Below is the official announcement from the Giants.
↵↵↵New York Giants Super Bowl champion linebacker Antonio Pierce, who has announced his retirement from pro football after nine seasons, is joining ESPN as an NFL analyst. The 2006 Pro Bowler will appear on NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPNEWS, and 1050 ESPN New York, and he will provide weekly analysis on ESPNNewYork.com, ESPN's home for New York sports news and information.
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Pierce will officially start this month and will appear on NFL Live today at 4 p.m. ET with host Trey Wingo to discuss his retirement and his new role with ESPN.
During his nine-year career, Pierce played 137 regular season games (and seven playoff games) with the Redskins (2001-04) and Giants (2005-09). Pierce captained the Giants defense for five seasons, including 2007 when he helped anchor the championship team that upset the previously undefeated New England Patriots for a victory in Super Bowl XLII. He was also named to the Pro Bowl that season. Selected by the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001, Pierce finished his career with 687 tackles, nine sacks and seven interceptions.
"We are thrilled to add another Super Bowl champion of Antonio's caliber to our roster of NFL analysts," said Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer. "His insights are refreshingly honest and we look forward to having him share his perspective with fans on NFL Live and other ESPN platforms, including ESPN Radio and ESPNNewYork.com."
Best of luck to AP. He had slowed by last season, but he was a huge part of a defense that helped the Giants win a Super Bowl. Giants' fans should always remember him fondly.
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