Steelers Head Coach and Teammates Praise Sixth-Year Cornerback for Excellent Season
Steelers cornerback James Pierre is having a remarkable year. He’s played in every game this season, and he’s started in the past four games. He’s made some big plays. One of the key plays in the Steelers’ Week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens was an interception by Pierre that set up a Kenneth Gainwell touchdown. The Steelers ultimately defeated the Ravens 27-22. In Week 11, Pierre returned a fumble for a touchdown in their game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers went on to defeat the Bengals 34-12. Pierre is at a career-high of 11 passes defensed so far this season. He also amassed 28 total tackles, 12 of which were solo.
Pierre’s teammates and coaches have raved about his excellent performance this season. After Sunday’s game, Joey Porter Jr. praised Pierre. He said, “He’s been ballin’, he’s been living right. If he gets all them touches, he’s been living right. He’s just been making much of his opportunity. He’s been stepping up when we needed him to.” Christian Kuntz recently commented on Pierre’s ability to make plays. He remarked, “Every day, bro.” He added, “He's been making those plays for five years. I've been seeing it for five years. He makes those plays, I don't understand it.”
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Pierre’s breakout performance this year. He said, “It’s him. Ask any of his teammates. He has unwavering belief in himself. He’s an unbelievable professional, he’s tough-minded, he’s physically tough, he’s willing to do anything and everything. He’s earned everything that he’s gotten in this business. As I’ve mentioned in this setting before, he was an undrafted college free agent in the COVID year. The tough road is not something that’s new to him.”
Pierre is in his sixth season with the Steelers. He’s proven himself to be a key member of their defense this year. With his performance this season, Pierre is setting himself up to become a long-term starter for the team. Prior to 2025, the last time he started in at least four games was in 2021. He signed with the Steelers in 2020. He played collegiate football for the Florida Atlantic Owls.
