During his four years as an athlete for the West Potomac varsity football team,[1] Pierson-El helped the Wolverines capture a share of the 2011 Patriot District championship as a sophomore receiver, led the team to a playoff berth as a junior running back in 2012, and kept West Potomac competitive as a senior quarterback in 2013. He also played defensive back and returned kicks along the way. As a senior, he earned first-team VHSL all-state honors as an all-purpose defensive player.
College career
Pierson-El was a versatile and electrifying performer for Nebraska throughout his Cornhusker career.[2] A Virginia native, Pierson-El burst onto the scene in 2014 earning All-America honors as a punt returner as a true freshman. He continued to be a difference-maker on special teams throughout his career, while also producing an outstanding Nebraska career as a receiver.
After the AAF suspended football operations, Pierson-El signed with the Oakland Raiders on April 8, 2019.[8] He was waived on August 31, 2019.[9] He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 4, 2019.[10] His practice squad contract with the team expired on January 6, 2020.[11]
St. Louis BattleHawks
Pierson-El was drafted by the St. Louis BattleHawks in the 2020 XFL Draft on October 16, 2019.[12] He signed a contract with the team on January 7, 2020.[13] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[14]
Las Vegas Raiders (second stint)
Pierson-El re-signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on April 30, 2020.[15] He was waived on September 5, 2020.[16] He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 30, 2020.[17] He was released on October 21.[18]
Denver Broncos
On June 17, 2021, Pierson-El signed with the Denver Broncos.[19] He was waived on August 31, 2021.[20] On September 6, 2021, Pierson-El was re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on December 21.[21]