Bio

Stephen Pierce attended Lincoln High School in San Diego 1979-1982 and participated in football, baseball and wrestling, excelling in all three sports and earning numerous awards. In football, he was named Coca Cola Player of the Year from 1981 to 1984 and Lincoln’s MVP in 1982. As a baseball player, he was selected to be the Coca Cola Golden Glove Player of the Year in ’81 and ’82 and MVP in his senior year. Stephen was also drafted his senior year by the Chicago White Sox Organization. Finally as a top-level wrestler, he earned MVP honors over the four years he participated.

Stephen attended Southwestern College from 1983 to 1984 and played football. An exceptional receiver, he was named the Apaches’ MVP in both 1983 and 1984 and earned All American Honors, Divisional MVP and MVP of the Kawanis Bowl two consecutive years. In the 1983 Bowl, he notably recorded 14 receptions for 287 yards. Many Stephen’s stats still stand in the top five SWC’s Jaguar All-Time Records. Most Receptions/Career (79): Most Yards Receiving/Career (1,334); Most TD Receptions/Season (11); Most Single Game Receptions (15); and longest Punt Return (90) vs. Palomar.

For his outstanding achievements in football, Stephen earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois where he competed in 1984-1985 and completed a BA in political science. As a junior, he was one of the top receivers, was awarded Rookie of the Year honors and was the second leading receiver in the Big Ten. In 1985 he was named once again team MVP and has a record that stands for the Longest Touchdown Reception. After his success at the University of Illinois, Stephen played for the Cleveland Browns from 1987 to 1988.

Since that time, he has transferred his leadership skills from his days in athletics to the business world. He is known as “s dedicated and tireless mentor, philanthropist, and businessman.” He is current President of the NFL Former Players Association, and CEO of the Stephen Pierce Foundation, a non-profit corporation that is committed to improving and providing education opportunities for financially underprivileged youth. Continuing his parents’ legacy, Stephen is also very active in youth and community events throughout the U.S. Stephen holds annual Toys for Tots drives in San Diego. He is a teacher on the field, working with Many Athletes, and he also helps Pop Warner –coaching since 2005.

Stephen and his wife Jeanne have been married for 17 years and have three children, sons Konnor Starks (18), Ski Pierce (14), and daughter Skyler Pierce (14). He and his wife are also fosters parents to a new baby. Congratulations!

Stephen would like to thank his older brother Ronald and brother-in-law Robert Johnson who taught him how to play football and baseball. He would like to recognize his brother Dough Jones who played in the NFL for seven years in Buffalo, Kansas City and Detroit and his four sisters Freda Dunkin, Edith Johnson, Kim Phillips and Cecilia Pierce. Finally he remembers, “Mom, Dad Stephen, and Ruby Pierce kept me humble and put me on the right path to success.”

Stephen for your outstanding achievements as a student athlete, for your passion to provide education opportunities for youth, and for your commitment to the San Diego community, Southwestern College is honored to welcome you into the 2011 Athletic hall of Fame.