Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce has announced his retirement after nine seasons, and he went out with a flourish An undrafted free agent in 2016, Pierce became one of the game's best nose tackles, known for his run-stopping prowess. He played seven of his nine years in Baltimore, where it all started.

The Baltimore Ravens have lost a significant part of their defense, and the owner of one of the most memorable big-man interceptions of all time, as defensive tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement Wednesday following a nine-year NFL career.

Veteran nose tackle Michael Pierce will retire from the NFL after nine years, he announced Wednesday. Pierce, 32, announced his departure on the Sports Spectrum podcast. The former Samford star joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2016.