Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce announces retirement from football READ MORE: Shock new twist in Chiefs star Xavier Worthy's 'strangling' case By MAX WINTERS Published: 02:45 GMT, 13 March 2025 | Updated: 02:46 GMT, 13 March 2025 Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce has announced he's retiring from football. 'I've decided to call it a career,' Pierce said on Wednesday's Sports Spectrum podcast. 'It's been a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful nine years. I've had so many people help me along the way.' Pierce spent seven of his NFL seasons in two stints with Baltimore, sandwiched around time with the Minnesota Vikings. Pierce, who opted out of the 2020 season, provided a highlight near the end of last season when the 355-pounder intercepted a pass against the Cleveland Browns, then was mobbed by teammates. That was the first interception of his career. He had nine and a half sacks in 99 games. Pierce came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Samford. Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce has announced he's retiring from football Pierce spent seven of his NFL seasons with Baltimore, sandwiched around time in Minnesota It comes a day after five-time Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Ravens. It is reportedly a $5million contract that could reach up to $6m. Hopkins, 32, had a down season in 2024 while splitting time between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, he caught 56 passes for 610 yards and five touchdowns. The Ravens undoubtedly see a track record that includes 984 receptions for 12,965 yards and 83 touchdown catches in 178 NFL games. Hopkins has seven career 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has caught over 100 passes four times. He earned first-team All-Pro honors three straight years (2017-19). Later Wednesday, the Ravens announced they had released veteran safety Marcus Williams, who fell out of favor last season. Share or comment on this article: Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce announces retirement from football Add comment