Many father dreams of living to see their son follow in their footsteps. Some even live to see them surpass them and climb ever higher. The next generation’s the way to live out your dreams vicariously, after all, as long as you’re not putting too much pressure on them. Well, Michael Pierce walked in the footsteps of his dad, also named Michael Pierce, and then he surpassed him. Here’s more about the Baltimore Ravens nose tackle’s family.

Who is Michael Pierce’s dad?

Michael Pierce Sr. had one hell of a high school and college football career with Murphy High School and then Tulane University. He was a running back, and a team captain in his senior year at Tulane. He even made it to the Senior Bowl in 1990, no small feat. But you can’t put all your eggs in one basket, so Pierce Sr. made sure not to neglect his academics. His football career ended after college, but the business degree he took away has stood him in good stead.

Since 1994, Pierce Sr. has been on the board of the MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corporation in Mobile, Alabama. With time, he has climbed to the post of executive director, a responsibility he handles with respect. He’s also involved with the Mobile Airport Authority and the Mobile Arts and Sports Association, among other civic bodies. Speaking on his mindset behind involving himself in these projects, he’d said “Change is difficult but it’s necessary. And so, to be a part of a group that can affect change for what I believe to be the betterment of our community, and put it on a higher trajectory than we are today, is both an honor and a privilege and a tremendous responsibility.”

And he does believe it’s important to lead by example. He serves as a pastor with New Life Ministries. Plus, one of his favorite quotes comes from James Kent – “Nothing is so potent as the silent influence of a good example.” He applies that not only to the community but to his own family. Both his sons have had successful careers in football, though big brother Michael soared higher than little brother Myles.

Who is Michael Pierce’s mom?

The Pierces aren’t technically from Mobile, Alabama. They’re really from the town of Daphne, right over from Mobile. What a wonderful coincidence, given Michael and Myle’s mother is named Daphne Pierce. There’s not a lot out there about her experience raising two energetic athletic Alabama boys, but we can imagine it was hectic. She had her education split between Louisiana University and Southern University, getting a degree in social work.

If you look into the MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corporation, you’ll see that Daphne Pierce is involved with it too, not just her husband. She also occupies the position of executive director. However, she’s been involved with the organization for much shorter than Pierce Sr. Her original line of work is only tangentially related, though. She initially worked as an interior decorator with Charmant, starting around 2007. Daphne Pierce then acquired the company, seemingly in around 2010, and is now a successful businesswoman.

With a family of committed community members and entrepreneurs, Michael Pierce Jr. was given a platform to succeed. We wish him and his family a very happy year ahead.

Stories like the Pierce family’s can draw international interest and expand the NFL’s reach. Our Latest Think Tank exclusive, featuring Emily and Erin Griffin covers the NFL’s global growth, be sure to check it out.