Ravens' Michael Pierce retires from NFL, thanks 'Jesus Christ' for 'beautiful nine years'

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Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday after nearly a decade in the league.

Pierce, 32, spent nine years in the NFL, seven seasons with the Ravens and one with the Minnesota Vikings. He opted out in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"I've decided to call it a career," Pierce shared the news on the "Sports Spectrum" podcast. "It's been a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful nine years. I've had so many people help me along the way."

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Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. (Mitch Stringer-USA Today Sports)

"I’d like to thank a few people personally, obviously my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost."

One of the people he thanked was former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016. 

Pierce spent the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens, then signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Vikings prior to the 2020 season. 

The nose tackle opted out of the COVID season and played one season with the Vikings before getting released. Pierce then went back to where it all started, returning to the Ravens on a three-year, $16.5 million contract. 

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Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce takes the field with a military service member before a game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jessica Rapfogel-USA Today Sports)

In his nine-year career, Pierce had 218 total tackles,