Dameon Pierce offers passionate answer to why he played in bowl game

Many seniors opted out of their team’s bowl game this season, but not Dameon Pierce. The Florida running back took the field with the rest of his teammates Thursday in the Gasparilla Bowl against UCF.

Earlier this week, he revealed why he chose to play.

“Why? Because I’m a Gator, bro,” Pierce said. “When I signed here, I signed her for four good years, get my education and I’m going to rock out that way until I die, you know?”

Pierce has been a mainstay in the Florida backfield since 2018, spending the past two seasons as a starter. He has accumulated 1,749 yards rushing to go with 27 total touchdowns in his four seasons in Gainesville. This year he finished with 512 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, both career highs.

It wasn’t an easy final season for Pierce, who saw Dan Mullen, the coach he signed with, get fired. Florida finished just 6-6, barely becoming bowl eligible.

With Billy Napier taking over, it would have been a reasonable decision if the running back opted out. Defensive end Zachary Carter chose to do so in order to prepare for the NFL draft. Many Gators transferred.

Pierce is also set for a pro career following this season, but felt a loyalty to the program. He wanted to finish what he started and help the team to one more win. Early in the game, it appears he may make that dream a reality.

At halftime, the Gators lead UCF by score of 10-9. Pierce has already made his presence known with 10 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. He has been arguably the most productive offensive player in the game. The running back is just 27 yards away from breaking his season-high of 78.

With an entire half of the bowl game left to play, there appears a good chance Dameon Pierce could reach that number.