If you’re wondering where Antonio Pierce has been hiding since getting the axe by the Las Vegas Raiders back in January, the answer just dropped in the most random and speculative way possible: Kansas City Chiefs training camp.
The former New York Giants linebacker and fan favorite was spotted in full Chiefs gear, walking alongside none other than his old defensive coordinator and longtime right-hand man, Steve Spagnuolo. Not exactly the place you’d expect to see someone who was running the Raiders just eight months ago, especially given how much those two franchises absolutely despise each other.
Steve Spagnuolo walking down to the field with Antonio Pierce. Pierce in the #Chiefs shorts. pic.twitter.com/uNLXtyKqQe
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) August 6, 2025
But when you really think about it, it actually makes a weird amount of sense. And it might’ve just been Pierce’s unofficial job interview. The band is back together... kinda, and Giants fans are reading between the lines.
Antonio Pierce resurfaces at Chiefs camp with Spags by his side
Pierce and Spags go way back, like Super Bowl XLII back. That was Spagnuolo’s defense, and Pierce was the guy making the calls on the field. They won together and built the kind of legacy that still gets dragged out every time the Giants matter in January. And ever since, Spags has made it crystal clear he thinks the world of his former linebacker.
The DC said Pierce was the smartest player he ever coached. Said he was a “coach on the field.” He even brought him on as an intern when he ran the G-Men on an interim basis. He’s been in his corner for nearly two decades now.
Pierce has reportedly been hanging around the facility for a couple of days now, which is relatively shocking, seeing as though he threw a lot of hate at KC while coaching Vegas.
Maybe it’s not all that shocking to see Pierce pop up at Chiefs camp. Maybe it is. But you can imagine the linebacker in him just wants to help out guys like Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill. Considering he hasn’t appeared anywhere else, and hasn’t been seen around in NFL circles until this week, the fact he showed up in KC, with Spags, says a whole lot without really saying anything at all.
It wasn't all that long ago that Big Blue was potentially entertaining the thought of adding Pierce to their coaching staff. The Raiders had moved on from DC Wink Martindale, and the former LB felt like the perfect candidate. While nothing transpired, maybe their paths will cross again someday.
Maybe it’s just a camp favor. Maybe it’s a step toward a defensive assistant role. Or maybe it’s something bigger down the line. Either way, Pierce could do a whole lot worse than rebuilding his rep under a guy who’s always believed in him and just so happens to be one of the best in the game... even if it means it won't be in East Rutherford.