Ravens big man gives hilarious reason for not taking INT to the house

Michael Pierce’s first career interception was a moment to remember. The 355-pound Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle snagged a pass from Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe late in the Ravens’ 35-10 blowout win in Week 18. But while the play itself was thrilling, it was Pierce’s postgame explanation for not attempting a return that has Ravens fans—and the internet—buzzing.

After making the pick, Pierce had plenty of open field in front of him. Yet instead of rumbling some 80 yards more toward the end zone, he took a knee after a modest six-yard return.

While the idea of a big-man touchdown is enough to make any highlight reel enthusiast drool, Pierce opted for a more cautious approach. Why? As he humorously explained, “The bus was out of gas.”

Pierce’s deadpan delivery and self-awareness turned his postgame interview into an instant classic. “There is a long history of turning big guy interceptions or fumbles and all of that stuff into memes,” Pierce said. “So, at the risk of ruining a career play like that for myself — it’s time to go home. Bus was out of gas, we good.”

Michael Pierce went full Ed Reed with the play of the game against the Browns

Pierce’s interception came with just over two minutes left in the game, long after the Ravens had secured their AFC North title and No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Lined up in his usual spot on the defensive line, Pierce feigned a rush before dropping into coverage. Zappe’s pass to running back Jacob Kibodi was off target, landing squarely in Pierce’s hands.

What happened next was part comedy, part calculated move. As Pierce lumbered forward, the crowd roared, urging him to channel his inner Ed Reed. Instead, Pierce hit the brakes and slid to the turf—pretty abruptly and awkwardly.

His teammates immediately mobbed him, but it was the coach's booth that had the most electric reaction.

“I don’t wanna end up on a meme on Instagram with my wife and everybody laughing at me,” Pierce joked. “So we did the right thing. We got down and kept it moving.”

Pierce’s interception capped a dominant performance by the Ravens defense, which held Cleveland to just 230 total yards and forced two turnovers. Head coach John Harbaugh called the play “the most crazy, amazing play in NFL history,” a statement delivered with a grin but not entirely devoid of sincerity.

Pierce, who has battled injuries this season, was visibly emotional in his postgame comments. “This means everything to me,” he said. “This is year nine. I had an injury this year so just trying to find my way back, find my rhythm and all that stuff, is kinda tough.”

The interception also reinforced Baltimore’s momentum heading into the playoffs. With their defense firing on all cylinders and players like Pierce contributing in unexpected ways, the Ravens look like a team ready to make a deep postseason run.

For Pierce, though, the moment was more personal. “I’ve got fairly decent hands,” he said. “I’m glad I caught it.” And for football fans everywhere, his big-man INT—and the hilarious reason he didn’t try for six—is a memory they won’t soon forget.

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