Julius Pierce, an offensive lineman for Florida International University (FIU), is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice this week. Pierce previously earned an undergraduate degree in integrated studies from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) before returning to FIU after Coach Willie Simmons joined the program.
Pierce began his college football career with the Panthers in 2019 and later transferred to MTSU. He returned to FIU following Simmons’ arrival, marking a significant point in his athletic and academic journey. This season, he started every game and was named Conference-USA Player of the Week.
Reflecting on his experience, Pierce said, “I’ve kind of had an unorthodox career.” He suffered a season-ending leg injury in 2024 but has since taken on a leadership role within the team. “That’s been awesome because I kind of liked having that weight on my shoulders,” he said. “I like the responsibility of being the guy that people look up to and setting the example for other people.”
Pierce described his position as center as demanding both mentally and physically. He noted that while some may see it simply as “the fat dude who snaps the ball,” it actually requires reading defenses, making quick decisions, and communicating with teammates.
“I’ve been able to mentor the future of the program,” Pierce said about his contributions this past season. He expressed satisfaction in helping younger players improve their game.
He also praised Coach Simmons for fostering a positive team culture: “He’s everything that I thought he’d be. I think that’s why we’re winning a lot, because our team is really close.” Pierce added, “He remind us, there’s never not a time to do the right thing, and the right thing can be as little as taking the right step on a play or . . . just showing a little bit of respect to somebody. Those are the kinds of things that Coach Simmons teaches us that help us win games, which is important, but also help us be successful in life and improve us as men.”
Looking ahead, Pierce plans to pursue opportunities in professional football with hopes of joining either the National Football League or United Football League. If those efforts do not succeed, he intends to become a firefighter—building on previous experiences working with community organizations such as Boys and Girls Club and volunteering at elementary schools.
Before moving forward with these plans, Pierce will play one final game for FIU when he joins his teammates at the SERVPRO First Responders Bowl in Dallas on December 26.
“It’s a reward, you know, for 12 weeks of hard work that you put in,” he said. “A lot of guys around the country, they had to turn their pads in, and I’m blessed to be able to at least get one more opportunity with my brothers.”
