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Ravens DT Michael Pierce picks off Bailey Zappe for epic big man interception

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels01/05/25ChandlerVessels

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce accomplished a first in his career in the waning minutes of a win against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. With just a little more than two minutes remaining, Pierce picked off Bailey Zappe to record his first interception in eight NFL seasons.

Pierce, who weighs in at 355 pounds according to the Ravens roster, appeared to have some open field in front of him to take it back for a touchdown. However, he instead chose to kneel down, much to the lament of the broadcast crew. You can view the play below.

The interception allowed Baltimore to run more time off the clock in what was an eventual 35-10 victory. The Ravens finished the regular season 12-5 and also clinched the AFC North division title as a result of the win.

Pierce has played 11 games this season to finish with 19 total tackles, two sacks, one pass defended and, now, an interception. He’ll aim to carry the momentum from this play over with him into the postseason.

Baltimore was in control from start to finish on Saturday, jumping out to a quick 14-0 lead and never looking back. The interception was the only stat that Pierce recorded in the victory, but it was certainly an impactful moment he’ll likely remember for the rest of his career.

Pierce signed with the Ravens in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of Samford. He has since gone on to play seven of his eight NFL seasons with the franchise, save for a one-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.

Baltimore has now clinched the No. 3 seed in the AFC and will face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or Los Angeles Chargers in its first game of the playoffs.