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Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce achieved a career milestone during the team’s 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, recording his first career interception after nine seasons in the NFL.

Aug 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce (58) prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The play left Pierce, his teammates, and fans in awe, with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh calling it “the most crazy, amazing play in NFL history.”

Pierce, a 355-pound defensive lineman, has spent 17 years playing football, including high school, college, and professional levels, but had never caught an interception before Saturday’s game.

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His big moment came late in the fourth quarter of Baltimore’s regular-season finale when Cleveland quarterback Bailey Zappe attempted a check-down pass to running back Jacob Kibodi.

The miscommunication between the two Browns players resulted in the ball landing right in Pierce’s hands.

“I don’t want to curse on TV but, ‘Oh S-word.’ Like, ‘Oh my God, he really threw this football,’” Pierce recalled of his immediate reaction to the play.

Pierce returned the ball a few yards before kneeling to end the play, surrounded by ecstatic teammates who celebrated the rare achievement.

Despite his impressive record of recovering fumbles, this was the first time Pierce recorded an interception.

Reflecting on the moment, Pierce joked about avoiding the potential embarrassment of being turned into an internet meme.

“There’s a long history of turning big-guy interceptions and fumbles and all that stuff into memes, so at the risk of ruining a career play like that for myself, it’s time to go home,” Pierce said. “The bus was out of gas, we’re good.”

Pierce added, “To have that happen, God is a funny, funny guy. So I’m grateful, and I’m glad I caught it, more importantly. I don’t want to end up on a meme on Instagram, my wife and everybody laughing at me.”

The play resonated with Pierce’s teammates, who celebrated his achievement both on and off the field.

“That was the funniest thing I think I’ve ever seen,” said Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington. “It’s amazing to see a big guy like that pick it off and run. All the guys wanted to come off the sideline and celebrate with him.”

Fellow defensive lineman Broderick Washington praised Pierce for his leadership and work ethic. “That’s the OG. He comes in every day, goes to work and just grinds. He doesn’t say much. He just goes to work. When he talks, you listen. That’s Big MP,” Washington said.

The Ravens’ win secured the team the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, earning them a Wild Card home game against either the Pittsburgh Steelers or Los Angeles Chargers.

The interception capped off Baltimore’s regular season on a high note, but the team also faced a setback with star wide receiver Zay Flowers exiting the game due to a knee injury.

Early reports suggest Flowers may have suffered a knee sprain, putting his availability for the playoffs in question.

Pierce, who began his NFL career with the Ravens, returned to the team in 2022 after a two-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings.

The interception added another highlight to his career as the Ravens prepare to make their playoff push.

“This was awesome,” Harbaugh said of Pierce’s play. “You can’t script moments like this, and it just shows the kind of heart and spirit this team has heading into the postseason.”