There goes Blade. There goes Saw. There goes Tango.
When Antonio Pierce sits down Sunday to watch the Kansas City Chiefs face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV, the former Giants defensive captain already knows all the blitzes they will throw at Tom Brady. Pierce was the field general when Steve Spagnuolo, now the defensive coordinator for the Chiefs, orchestrated a perfect game plan against the undefeated Patriots on the biggest stage 13 years ago.
"Hell, line me up and I can do it," Pierce said on the “Giants Huddle” podcast. "I know it like the back of my hand."
Recently promoted to sole defensive coordinator at Arizona State, Pierce can recall everything from Super Bowl XLII. When asked what he remembers about the plan to upset Brady and Bill Belichick, Pierce, perhaps one of the smartest players ever to wear a Giants uniform, said to be more specific. OK then, what about his favorite third-down call?
"We went Sniper Blitz, when we brought Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell off the edge," Pierce recalled without hesitation. "I'm dropping, rocking and rolling, doing my deal in coverage. And then really the best one was, 'Hey, go get him. My four D-linemen, go get him. Rush.' We were playing Cloud over here on Randy Moss, kept our Cover-2 safety over the top to make sure he didn't catch anything deep. The longest ball he had in that game was 18 yards – totally different than what he did in Week 17 against us. (The Giants nearly spoiled the Patriots' bid for perfection in the final game of the season, but Moss caught two touchdowns, including a 65-yarder that put them ahead in the fourth quarter.) We kept the ball in front of us. Everything was top-down. The most important thing we did in that game was disguise. We disguised."
And brought the heat.
"You are not going to allow Tom Brady to sit back and pick you apart; you can't," Pierce said. "For me, that Super Bowl, what I do remember is just us constantly – the main focus was obviously hitting him but moving him off his spot. Making him tap dance, as I used to call it. Have happy feet, uncomfortable in the pocket, and more importantly, throw the ball quickly so we can rally up to it rather than the ball go up like a rainbow and watch Randy run down the field waving his hand."
All these years later, Spagnuolo will try to do the same thing.
The Chiefs will try to become the first repeat champions since … Brady won Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX. At 43 years old, though, the six-time champion has seen it all. But if there was somebody to do it, it would be Spagnuolo and a defensive staff full of former Giants coaches.
"I used to call him the mad scientist when he ran around the building at Giants Stadium," Pierce said of Spagnuolo. "I couldn't grab his attention because he was so focused and dialed in. But he's not distracted. I wouldn't even dare to call or text or reach out to him this week because I know he is iron-sharp focused on what he has to do with the Buccaneers. To me, what makes him special is that he can relate to the players. He listens so well. So many times as a coordinator, you have all the answers. And there were so many times when I would go to Spags with a suggestion like, 'Coach, look, I was with the boys on Thursday night. We were talking, and that ain't going to work. I know you see it working upstairs, but it ain't working on the grass.' And he would listen."
Must-see photos from the Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory parade on February 5, 2008
New York Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin, center, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy as Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, right, look on during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants Eli Manning, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, celebrates during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York file photo, New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning looks on as defensive end Michael Strahan, holds the Super Bowl trophy during a parade celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, left, and punter Jeff Feagles show off their keys to the city during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning waves to fans during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree holds up his key to the city during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. Tyree made a spectacular catch in the fourth quarter to help the Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Fans gather outside New York City Hall to honor the New York Giants Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, talks with defensive end Michael Strahan after receiving their keys to the city during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates with teammates during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
A New York Giants fan holds up a sign during a ceremony honoring the Giants at City Hall Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The sign was in reference to the Giants' 17-14 Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, which tarnished the Patriots' perfect season. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning acknowledges cheers from fans during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, talks with Whoopi Goldberg during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning speaks to fans outside New York City Hall during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin addresses fans during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan makes his way to the stage carrying the George C. Halas trophy of the NFC Championship trophy during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin acknowledges cheers from the crowd during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning makes his way to the stage carrying the Vince Lombardi trophy during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Players wave to fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer high fives fans as he makes his way to the stage during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning makes his way to the stage carrying the Vince Lomardi trophy for a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bow on Sunday.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, applauds with defensive end Michael Strahan during a ceremony outside New York City Hall to honor the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin, center, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy as Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, right, look on during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Football fans walk through the confetti strewn on Broadway after the New York Giants' Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants fans watch from the ground and from scaffolding during the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
Players wave to fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Fans cheer as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants toss confetti from above during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory parade, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Kaitlyn Curci, left, Ashley Gaffney, center, and Mary Curci, right show off their New York Giants t-shirts before a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants fans wave during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants fan Ryan Schnepf, 23, walks through the confetti strewn on Broadway after the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles rides through the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots was especially gratifying for Feagles, a 20-year veteran who had never won a Super Bowl before. (AP Photo/Gary He)
Players wave to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during a parade celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants fans watch from the ground and from scaffolding during the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
Corinne Kelly, left, of Roselle Park, N.J. and Lauren Busko, of Garwood, N.J., second from left, join other fans as they celebrate during a parade for the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants fans celebrate during a Super Bowl victory parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Ashley Gaffney, 12, right, and her friend Kaitlyn Curci, 12, left, cheer as the New York Giants' arrive for a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Fans use camera phones to photograph the New York Giants' Eli Manning and Michael Strahan as they wave to a crowd during a parade celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
A New York Giants fan hangs off scaffolding as he watches the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants fans watch from the ground and from scaffolding during the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he rides through the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
Coach Tom Coughlin, bottom with trophy, and MVP quarterback Eli Manning, with finger raised, show off the Vince Lombardi Trophy to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer rides through the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Young football fans cheer the New York Giants during the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy, as New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning and coach Tom Coughlin, behind Bloomberg, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fan Connor Ryan, 10, throws a roll of toilet paper during the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning looks on as defensive end Michael Strahan, holds the Super Bowl trophy during a parade celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giantscoach Tom Coughlin holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan shows the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he rides through the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese, center, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy as Eli Manning, right, and Michael Strahan, left, wave to fans during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants fans watch from the ground and from scaffolding during the Super Bowl football victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
The float carrying the Vince Lombardi Trophy makes its way up Broadway as the Super Bowl champion New York Giants football team receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he rides through the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan celebrates during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, and Eli Manning, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
A float carrying the Vince Lombardi Trophy makes its way up Broadway as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Lauren Giovanniello, 6, waits for the start of the parade celebrating the New York Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
Defensive end Michael Strahan, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, coach Tom Coughlin, and MVP quarterback Eli Manning, at the front of the float, from left, show off the Vince Lombardi Trophy to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
RECROP VERSION Defensive end Michael Strahan, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, coach Tom Coughlin, and MVP quarterback Eli Manning, at the front of the float, from left, show off the Vince Lombardi Trophy to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and quarterback Eli Manning celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, and Eli Manning, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. ((AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hired Spagnuolo in 2019, a reunion for the two after they began their tenure with the Eagles together in 1999. Spagnuolo then brought over defensive backs coach Dave Merritt and cornerbacks coach Sam Madison, two former members of the Giants organization. Merritt coached for Tom Coughlin during both of their Super Bowl runs while Madison played on the 2007 championship team.
In the first year with the band back together, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.
"Dave is another guy who can talk to the players," Pierce said. "He resonates with the players. He doesn't give you a lot. He gives you his three to five key points, and allows you to really dial in and hone those and you see the result every Sunday with the way those guys are playing. What he's done with Honey Badger [All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu] and what Spags has done with that safety, that unique, special player he has there, I think it's a true testament to Dave Merritt."
Meanwhile, Pierce and Madison took similar journeys to where they are today. After their playing days, they both worked in the media before taking jobs as high school coaches – Pierce at Long Beach Polytechnic in California, and Madison at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"Me and Mad Dog were doing Media Row one year at the Super Bowl, and then he's coaching high school, I'm coaching high school, and then Spags had reached out to me as well to coach over there with the Chiefs,' Pierce said. "He's like, 'Sam Madison is coming.' 'Sam who?' 'Sam Madison.' I'm like, 'Wow.' We talked about it, and I think the opportunity for Sam to get with Dave Merritt, who coached him when we were together in New York, and to be underneath the system that he's very familiar with – Sam was a savvy player. At the end of his career, was he as sharp from a physical standpoint? No. But mentally, understanding concepts and splits by the wide receivers and what the offense was trying to do to us, he was at an all-time high. And if you watch their corners play, they're press corners, they've got long arms, they tackle well, they play the ball when it's in the air – that looks like Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain when they played together at the Dolphins. When I watch them, I'm impressed because it's very difficult to come from high school and make that jump right to the pros."
Although Pierce's profession has changed and his ultimate goal is to become a head coach, he has only one response when asked about the Chiefs' upcoming opportunity.
"Jealous," he said. "Man, I'm jealous. They get to get after Tom again. They're in the Super Bowl again. We should have been back-to-back champions [in 2007 and 2008 with the Giants], but that's neither here nor there. I'm just proud of those guys, especially Spags. He left us in '08 after a great two-year run, got the opportunity to be head coach of the Rams, didn't work out for him, came back to the Giants. I thought that was going to work out, it didn't, and now to see him have success with the Chiefs along with Andy Reid and what they've built there defensively. …
"For me, as I watch these guys play this year, it's very impressive to see them maintain the level of mental and emotional toughness through this COVID year, with dealing with what they've dealt with from having Zoom meetings, not being at practice, not being in the building, and Spags as always has kept that rock-solid foundation together with the unit."
From Coughlin and Spagnuolo with the Giants to Herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis with the Sun Devils, Pierce has been able to play and coach under great mentors along the way. Now, he is paying it forward – from warmer pastures.
"One thing I learned: You don't shovel sunshine," Pierce said from the desert as a blizzard struck the Northeast this week. "You enjoy it. I'm blessed to be out here on the West with Coach Edwards and ASU.
"It's a great opportunity for me. … I never thought in a million years I would be coaching in college," he continued. "At the end of the day, you want to change people's lives. I'd love to win a Super Bowl and do things of that nature, but man, seeing the 18-year-old or 21-year-old live out their dreams and play in the NFL or smell it or get a taste or touch of the NFL, to me it's the ultimate goal because you're one in a million. It's one of the hardest things to do and maintain it. To see the joy on everybody's faces, as most players say, when they make it they took care of their family or at least they set their family up. If they use their platforms correctly, I think we're giving them the guidance here because of our professional background. We're setting these guys up for success because we're telling them what to expect when they get there, when they get with the Giants."
View photos of former Giants linebacker and current Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce.
New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, left, and coach Tom Coughlin talk with linebacker Antonio Pierce, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Seahawks 44-6. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stands next to New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss (81) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and his teammate James Butler after Moss made a catch during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) tackles Denver Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier (88) on second down in the second quarter of their game, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals hit by Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 2: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants defeated the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium on October 21, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the 49ers 33-15. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants in dives for a fumble by Anquan Boldin #81 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 5: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Seattle Seahawks at Giants Stadium on October 5, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 44-6. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants in action against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals hit by Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 5: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Seattle Seahawks at Giants Stadium on October 5, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 44-6. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 13: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs against the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium on November 13, 2005 in East Ruhterford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-21. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
IRVING, TX - OCTOBER 23: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 23, 2006 in Irving, Texas. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 36-22. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 15: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants' Antonio Pierce (58) celebrates with Jeff Feagles (18) on their win over the Arizona Cardinals in the closing moments of the fourth quarter in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
IRVING, TX - OCTOBER 23: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 23, 2006 in Irving, Texas. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 36-22. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants celebrates after making a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce makes a tackle on Dallas Cowboys running back Julius Jones during a NFL football game on Oct. 23, 2006 in Dallas. The Giants won, 36-22. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) looks to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium on October 21, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the 49ers 33-15. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs on the field during introductions prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium on October 21, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the 49ers 33-15. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium on October 21, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the 49ers 33-15. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 15: Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) looks to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) looks to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 11: Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants tackles L.J. Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2009 NFC Divisional Playoff at Giants Stadium on January 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey .The Eagles defeated the Giants 23-11. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants captains Eli Manning (10) and Antonio Pierce (58) talk on the sidelines during the game against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) tackles Arizona Cardinals' Ben Patrick (89) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 11: Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants stands on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2009 NFC Divisional Playoff at Giants Stadium on January 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talks with linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) during an NFL divisional football playoff game against the Philadelphia EaglesSunday, Jan. 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce takes up his position during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Antonio Pierce during an NFL football game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) celebrates after stopping Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) stops Seattle Seahawks running back Julius Jones (22) in the first quarter of their NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce reacts during the fourth quarter of an NFL divisional football playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants makes a move toward the action during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Fullback Le'Ron McClain #33 of the Baltimore Ravens gets gang tackled by defensive end Justin Tuck #91 and linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants drops into coverage during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is brought down by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and \Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96) during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants makes a move toward the action during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Antonio Pierce #58 walks off the filed at halftime during the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce smiles during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss (81) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and his teammate James Butler after Moss made a catch during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker (83) makes a reception as New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and Kawika Mitchell (55) fly over him during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer, right, tackles New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) after Pierce intercepted Dilfer's pass in the fourth quarter of the Giants 33-15 victory over the 49ers in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery #89 of the New York Jets looks tries to break a tackle by Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 during the game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on October 7, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Jets 35-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants speaks to the media at the Giants Super Bowl XLII Media Day at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 29, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants raises his arms after a play during the game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on October 7, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Jets 35-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) fumbles after being hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce looks on during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) runs an intercepted pass back for 28 yards as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer attempts to tackle him during fourth-quarter NFL football Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the 49ers, 33-15. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebackers Antonio Pierce, top, and Kawika Mitchell bring down Carolina Panthers wide receiver Drew Carter (18) during first quarter pre-season football action, Saturday night, Aug. 11, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Antonio Pierce #58 and Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants during pregame introductions as the AFC and NFC All-Stars compete in the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 10, 2007 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 31-28. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants gets set for the snap by the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 23, 2006 in Irving, Texas. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 36-22. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants celebrates with a jump-shot after intercepting a pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 23, 2006 in Irving, Texas. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 36-22. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 23, 2006 in Irving, Texas. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 36-22. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) forces Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Beldsoe (11) to throw an incomplete pass in the first quarter, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants goes after fullback Mack Strong #38 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on September 24, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike McMahon, right, is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) argues a call during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Nov. 6, 2005 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) runs with the ball after intercepting a Mark Brunell (8) left, pass intended for wide receiver David Patten in the second quarter of the Giants 36-0 shutout of the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) chases down a running back during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Nov. 6, 2005 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Nov. 6, 2005 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Former New York Giants players Michael Strahan, (92), Antonio Pierce (58), left, and Jeff Feagles (18) , right, and Shaun O'Hara, (60) watch as Tom Coughlin, center, holds the Super Bowl trophy during a halftime ceremony of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
