Raiders’ Head Coach, Antonio Pierce, has been garnering a lot of attention recently, including his ethnicity and nationality. Pierce is an African American.
Antonio is also a former American football linebacker who played for the National Football League for nine seasons and also won a Super Bowl.
Apart from his exceptional abilities and intense playing approach, Pierce is also renowned for his advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in football.
Antonio Pierce started his football journey at Paramount High School in California. For his football career, he transitioned from Mount San Antonio to the University of Arizona, showcasing his skills as a linebacker.
Following that, in 2001, the Washington Redskins signed Pierce as an undrafted rookie free agent.
He made a major impact with a breakout season in 2004, recording 114 tackles and two interceptions.
In 2005, Antonio joined the New York Giants as their starting middle linebacker. Pierce’s tenure with the Giants included an impressive 2007 season, where he played a key role in their Super Bowl victory.
He retired from the NFL in 2010 and later coached at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and Arizona State University.
In addition, Pierce has also worked as a television analyst, appearing on ESPN, CBS Sports, and the NFL Network.
In 2023, Pierce became the interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, and his former teammates fully supported his debut.
He made his debut by leading them to an impressive victory of a 30–6 win.
Antonio Pierce Ethnicity And Nationality
Pierce, born on October 26, 1978, hails from Ontario, California. Currently, he lives in Palos Verdes Estates, California, with his family.
Born and raised in California, Antonio is an American by nationality.
Talking about his ethnic background, Antonio Pierce has mixed ethnicity. His root traces back to the African American and Mexican heritage.
His exposure to different cultures has definitely played a part in shaping his views and values, making him the diverse individual he is today.
More About Antonio Pierce: Family & Personal Life
Antonio was born in Long Beach, California, to his parents. His father is Cleo Burrows, who is from Bermuda. Whereas, in terms of his mother, there is not much information found.
Furthermore, he has been together with his wife, Jocelyn, since 2006, after they first met during an ESPN Fantasy Football Draft. Jocelyn currently works as a licensed realtor. She has been a supportive partner to Antonio.
Antonio is also a father of his seven children. One of his sons, Anthony, was a cornerback at the University of Hawaii in 2013 and 2014.
Moreover, his other son, De’Andre, played as a safety at Boise State from 2016 to 2019 and later at Arizona in 2020 and 2021.
Being inspired by his own upbringing in Compton, Pierce is dedicated to making a positive impact on the youth in the Long Beach/Compton area.
He works to uplift underprivileged youth through free football camps and involvement in community programs. Additionally, Pierce also supported Giants Academy to help inner-city children.
He also participated in the “Read Across America” program, reading to kids whose parents are in treatment at Odyssey House in Harlem.
Through his dedicated efforts, he has earned honorable awards and recognition, including the “United Way Man of the Year” in 2007 and acknowledgment at the 2008 ESPY Awards with the New York Giants.