James Pierre Jr. Bio
James Pierre Jr. (born September 16, 1996) is an American professional football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Atlantic Owls and signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Since then, he has had a notable journey in the NFL, which includes a short stint with the Washington Commanders and making significant contributions to his team on the field.
Pierre’s professional path reflects persistence and steady development, as he transitioned from an undrafted rookie competing for a roster spot to a veteran defensive back contributing on special teams and in the secondary. His performance has been marked by memorable moments, including his first career interception and a defensive touchdown.
Early Life and Background
James Pierre Jr. was born on September 16, 1996, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He attended Deerfield Beach High School, where he developed into one of the most recognized defensive backs in his region. As a senior, he registered 48 tackles, four interceptions and two pass break-ups, helping Deerfield Beach to a 10–2 record.
His senior season earned him widespread recognition across South Florida. The Miami Herald named him one of the Top 25 seniors in Broward County, while the Sun-Sentinel named him all-county honorable mention. Pierre was considered a three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 48 safety in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports.com’s composite rankings.
Coming out of high school, Pierre drew scholarship offers from Louisville, Mississippi State, Tennessee, South Carolina and Wisconsin. He initially committed to the University of Miami before switching his commitment to North Carolina in February 2016. After being denied admission to North Carolina, he ultimately committed to Syracuse.
Path to American Football
Pierre was ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA for his freshman season at Syracuse, forcing him to seek another collegiate home. He transferred to Florida Atlantic, where he sat out his initial year before stepping onto the field as a freshman in 2017. In that first eligible season, he produced 21 tackles and two pass deflections, immediately showing the ball skills that had defined his high school career.
As a sophomore, Pierre posted 55 tackles and nine pass breakups, demonstrating growth in coverage responsibilities. On November 2, 2019, he delivered one of the most impactful performances of his college career, making two interceptions in a 35–24 win over Western Kentucky. During his junior season in 2019, he recorded 44 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions.
Pierre finished his collegiate career with 120 total tackles, 18 pass breakups, 8½ tackles for loss and three interceptions across 39 games. Following the 2019 season, he declared for the 2020 NFL draft, hoping to hear his name called.
James Pierre Jr. Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
After going unselected in the 2020 NFL draft, James Pierre Jr. signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He quickly exceeded expectations by earning a place on the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster, becoming the only undrafted free agent to make the team in that fashion in 2020. The achievement marked the beginning of his professional career.
In Week 2 of the 2021 season, Pierre made his first career NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders, filling in for Joe Haden, who was sidelined by a groin injury. Later that season, in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, he recorded his first NFL interception, a milestone that validated his patience and preparation.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Pierre established himself as a reliable depth piece in the Steelers’ secondary and a core contributor on special teams. On March 21, 2023, he re-signed with the Steelers, reinforcing the organization’s confidence in his development and his role within the defensive rotation.
His steady practice habits and coverage instincts allowed him to remain in the team’s long-term plans, even as the Steelers rebuilt their defensive backfield. Pierre’s ability to play both inside and outside cornerback positions made him a versatile chess piece for the defensive staff.
Washington Commanders Era (2024)
On March 21, 2024, James Pierre Jr. signed with the Washington Commanders, seeking a fresh opportunity after four seasons in Pittsburgh. The move offered him a chance to compete for a more prominent role in a different defensive system. His time with Washington proved brief, however, as he was released on August 27, 2024, as part of final roster cuts.
Despite the short tenure, the experience broadened his professional perspective and reaffirmed his connection to Pittsburgh, where his strongest contributions had taken place.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
On September 17, 2024, Pierre signed with the Steelers practice squad, signaling a return to familiar surroundings. In Week 3, he played against the Los Angeles Chargers, and then signed to the active roster on September 24, 2024. The promotion reflected the team’s continued trust in his veteran presence and special-teams reliability.
On March 20, 2025, Pierre was re-signed by the Steelers on a one-year contract. He was released by the Steelers on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Pierre was promoted to the active roster on September 10. In Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded 6 tackles and a 34-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 34–12 win.
Driving Style and Strengths
James Pierre Jr. is widely regarded as a fundamentally sound cornerback with strong ball-tracking ability and dependable tackling in space. His coverage instincts, refined through years of professional and college experience, allow him to compete effectively against both outside receivers and slot alignments. Coaches have consistently praised his preparation, his tackling reliability and his willingness to contribute on special teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pierre’s first NFL interception against the Denver Broncos in 2021 stands among his most memorable early-career milestones. His 34-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 season showcased his nose for the football in key moments. Becoming the only undrafted free agent to make the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster in 2020 remains another defining achievement of his career.
James Pierre Jr. Career Wins
James Pierre Jr.’s career statistics reflect a defensive back whose impact is measured through turnovers, tackles and game-changing plays rather than traditional win totals. Across his NFL stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders, he has consistently contributed in coverage, on special teams and in run support.
NFL Highlights
Pierre’s NFL highlights include his first career interception against the Denver Broncos, his debut NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders, and his 34-yard fumble recovery touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. Each of these moments reflects his preparation and his ability to deliver when called upon. He has also remained a durable presence on special teams throughout his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Pierre’s standout college performances include two interceptions in a 35–24 win over Western Kentucky in 2019 and a sophomore campaign with 55 tackles and nine pass breakups at Florida Atlantic. He also helped Deerfield Beach High School post a 10–2 record during his senior season, capping a strong pre-professional foundation.
James Pierre Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
James Pierre Jr. grew up in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where his family supported his development as a football player. He is the cousin of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, a family connection that links him to one of the most decorated quarterbacks of his era. That family lineage underscores a deep athletic tradition within the Pierre and Jackson families.
Personal Life
Pierre maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career through his official Instagram account. He continues to reside in the United States and balances his professional football schedule with personal interests outside of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represents James Pierre Jr.’s latest chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After re-signing on a one-year contract on March 20, 2025, he navigated a turbulent preseason that included a release on August 26 and a quick return to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 10, ready to contribute immediately.
Pierre wasted little time making an impact, recording 6 tackles and a 34-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 34–12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. The performance highlighted his continued ability to deliver game-changing plays in key moments. His role within the Steelers’ defense and special teams units remains consistent, providing veteran stability.
Looking ahead, Pierre’s outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season centers on maintaining his spot on the active roster while expanding his defensive responsibilities. His combination of experience, special-teams value and ball-hawking instincts gives the Steelers a dependable contributor as they pursue their postseason ambitions.