James Pierre’s rise in Pittsburgh has been one of the more under-the-radar stories of the season - but it’s time to give the man his due. Once a core special teamer, Pierre has worked his way into the Steelers’ starting cornerback rotation, and he’s not just filling a spot - he’s thriving.
In the Steelers’ recent matchup against the Ravens, Pierre didn’t just show up - he made sure his presence was felt. He had a solid day in coverage, highlighted by a textbook pass breakup against DeAndre Hopkins down the sideline.
But the moment that turned heads? A slick one-handed interception off Lamar Jackson.
And this wasn’t just any pick. Pierre and Jackson aren’t just opponents on the field - they’re family.
First cousins who grew up together in Florida, always on the same team until now. So, yeah, this one had a little extra meaning.
Although Pierre played it cool afterward - “Not necessarily, no. It’s just my mom will be talking about it a lot,” he said - you could tell it was a moment he won’t forget.
Jackson, for his part, owned the play. “I was trying to make something happen,” he said.
“It was like third down. I tried to throw it to Rasheen [Ali], but I threw it too light.
He just made a good play on it with a one-handed interception.”
That’s been the story of Pierre’s season - making plays, taking advantage of every opportunity, and proving he belongs among the starting ranks. Since stepping into a larger role, he’s been consistently reliable, matching up well against some of the league’s top receivers and showing the kind of instincts and ball skills that can change games.
And here’s the thing - Pierre’s doing all this on a one-year deal. That’s right.
He’s playing for his future, and he’s making a strong case to be a priority re-signing for the Steelers this offseason. His performance isn’t just helping Pittsburgh right now - it’s building a foundation for what could be a long-term role in that secondary.
For a player who’s always been on the grind, this season feels like a turning point. And if he keeps stacking performances like this, that one-year deal won’t be the last time we see him in black and gold.