Former Minnesota linebacker Ben Leber thinks Michael Pierce’s nickname is perfect for him.
Pierce, who has been called “The Juggernaut,” lives up to the style his nickname suggests, according to Leber. Here’s what else the former Vikings linebacker said about Pierce, as reported by Gabe Henderson of Vikings.com:
“He dropped off in 2019, and even he admits himself, he gained a little bit of weight, got a little bit complacent, but now he understands what it’s like to be a pro and have to take of business year round.”
Leber also compared Pierce to Linval Joseph, a veteran defensive tackle who left the Vikings in free agency this offseason.
“I think Linval Joseph, from years past, fresh into the season, was dominant. He did things strength-wise, that’s kind of hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes — the way he could bench press players. But at the end of the seasons, he got worn down, injuries became an issue and he wasn’t quite as effective. Where, I think Pierce, if he can get back to the way he played in 2018… I’m looking forward to what the juggernaut can do.”
How does Leber describe Pierce’s style?
“He’s a big bowling ball that loves to stop the run, so he’s exciting.”
