Pierce is a former basketball player who transitioned to football in his senior year at Rio Americano High School, where he played offensive tackle, tight end, and defensive end before graduating in 2009. He received a scholarship to play at San Jose State but later transferred to the City College of San Francisco. At City College, Pierce earned Offensive MVP honors in the State Championship game, leading his team to a perfect 12-0 record and securing both the State and National Championships. After junior college, Pierce accepted another scholarship, this time to Ole Miss, where he started all 26 games during his time there. Pierce's football career extended to the NFL, where he played for the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings