Fueled by Faith: Andrew Pierce

 

Pierce is no stranger to an uphill battle, but he never fights them by himself.
Pierce is no stranger to an uphill battle, but he never fights them by himself.

It’s a cold Wednesday night, and Andrew Pierce is making his daily hour-long trek from Delaware to his hometown of Bridgeton, New Jersey. I come to learn that Bridgeton is quite a rough part of town.

“Just the other day on CNN there was a story about a shooting. That’s how it always has been,” Pierce tells me.

We aren’t in Kansas anymore, Toto- but the former Delaware standout looks to take the yellow brick road to College Park on Saturday to show CFL and NFL scouts what he’s made of.

 

Pierce’s mind races as he drives, thinking “Why do I do this?” But that doubt is quickly snuffed by the assurance he gives himself that God has a greater plan for him in the big picture of things.

“Every day you wake up for that call. But I do wonder at times, ‘why do I get out of bed every morning to drive an hour to work and then to train? What keeps me going?’ Then I realize it’s the hunger I have, and how I have been doubted every turn of the way. God also plays a major role in my life,” Pierce tells me.

It’s not like adversity is some new storyline in an athlete’s career. Whether it’s because of an injury, or doubt from other people -it can motivate one to try that much harder. But Pierce goes the extra mile not only because of the skeptics, but also because of his faith in God…and himself.

“During my eighth grade season, we went to the championship. I started to see my talent, so I developed that ‘I’m going to start’ mentality.”

The mentality was there, and so was the ability for the 5’8″, 165 pound freshman. But Pierce’s high school (Cumberland Regional) did not have a winning reputation.

“Back in high school, I put up some impressive numbers- but my school wasn’t known for winning, so that hurt me. We didn’t start winning until my junior season. A few schools from the CAA including JMU expressed some interest, yet I never got an offer. I was told multiple time I didn’t have D1 talent, and it pushed me to work harder every single day.”

Enter Delaware.

“Delaware gave me a shot to walk on and see what I had. I had to earn that starting spot. It’s that uphill battle that has made me strong my entire career, and only fuels my hunger to be great.”

This isn’t my first time talking to Andrew. Back in the summer of 2013 at CAA Media Day in Baltimore, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing him one-on-one. I won’t lie…it was my first experience being on camera and the nerves were there. There’s a reason I’m a writer. Yet as Pierce took his spot and I got to talk to him, his calm nature provided me with a sense of ease.

My first meeting with Pierce at the 2013 CAA Media Day in Baltimore.
My first meeting with Pierce at the 2013 CAA Media Day in Baltimore.

That season saw the senior tally 822 yards and 10 touchdowns, capping off an impressive career as a Blue Hen. He finished his four years with a school record 930 carries and second all-time with 4,459 rushing yards. That mark also put him 8th all-time in CAA history. He amassed 44 rushing scores, and his 94.9 yards rushing per game put him 3rd in school history.

Not too shabby.

Following his senior season, Pierce prepared for the draft as many players do. Delaware held their pro day in a brand new indoor facility- an advantage not lost on Pierce.

“Players in the past had to do their pro days in windy and cold weather at times. It’s a beautiful facility and it definitely helped to be indoors.”

The rest of the draft process was not so kind.

“It was really hectic. I had once again put up big numbers, which I felt would help me get a tryout somewhere. I worked so hard, and to not get a chance….it sucked.”

The negative aspects of being a free agent in the football world certainly grew on Pierce. Yet while discouraging, they never fully outweighed his faith.

“It was hard to watch football this past season. All I wondered was ‘why is it not me out there?’ But God has a bigger plan for me, just like he did when I was coming out of high school.”

So watching football was tough- but he had to have watched this year’s classic Super Bowl, right?

“Of course. I had a friend (Marcus Burley) who was on the Seahawks and wanted to see how he’d do. That game just showed how important a solid running back can be,” said Pierce. While we are on the phone and I can’t see it, I can almost hear the smirk.

I can talk about faith until I am blue (no pun intended) in the face, but to truly understand what Pierce thinks of himself, you need to realize what helps build the foundation for his life.

“I won the Edgar Johnson award my senior season, and it was my favorite accolade. It was a very high honor and special. It wasn’t just about football, the people I helped off the field.”

The Edgar Johnson Award is presented to a senior letterwinner who has exhibited the qualities of hard work, dedication, leadership, fairness, and striving for excellence that were the hallmarks of Johnson’s career. Johnson served as UD Director of Athletics for 25 years.

Some off the field activities for Pierce included being a leader for Delaware Christian Athletes, as well as doing community service in Wilmington to help the homeless. The former football captain also participated in bone marrow drives, hospital visits for sick children and playing football with boys and girls clubs.

“I just love giving back to the community,” Pierce says with great pride.

He does it all, off the field- and on it. Pierce realizes the importance of having many different aspects to his game, and is not hesitant to tell you why his abilities are special.

“I’m versatile. I can do many different things. Catching, running, my vision, blocking. A lot of backs have a hard time blocking. I have perfected it. I can see a lot of things that others don’t with my vision, too.”

Pierce’s job as a personal trainer also allows him three hours a day to train, along with the time he spends training at Delaware’s indoor practice field.

“I have been working with a track coach for 4 months, preparing myself for the 40. I also work on Olympic lifts for explosive movements. I was 202 at pro day, and now I’m 208 pounds. I eat lots of good protein, lean protein: chicken, steak, fish, sweet potatoes. I’m always hydrating. I’ll save the cheat foods for after the combine.”

Last but not least, why should CFL and NFL scouts take a chance on Pierce?

“My ability to work hard. Blood, sweat, tears- whatever it takes. I’m ready to go. I’m not a big talker, so I let my game do the talking. I want them to know if they choose me, it will be something they won’t regret.”

 

For more on the 2015 BSN National Scouting Combine, click here. Give us a follow on Twitter @BeyondSports.

 

Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know @SeanNeutron.

 

 

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