BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two former Samford football players who are now enjoying success in the National Football League returned to campus for last Saturday's 37-31 win over No. 20 Wofford.
 
James Bradberry, an All-Pro defensive back for the New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings' defensive lineman Michael Pierce were on hand for the game at Seibert Stadium. The duo enjoyed the game from the terrace of the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House as guests of the Samford Bulldog Club, cheering on as the Bulldogs earned the victory. Pierce and Bradberry were also recognized during the game for their accomplishments.
 
"It's a blessing to have the opportunity to come back where it all started," the duo said in a statement. "Blood sweat and tears defines most college athletes' experiences and ours is nothing different. Never did we think we would be in the position to be honored at our alma mater. The traditions of excellence and faith that Samford embodies has carried us to the current heights we've achieved. We are forever thankful for the honor of being recognized by our beloved Samford University."
 
Pierce and Bradberry were teammates on the defense at Samford, and both entered the NFL in 2016. Bradberry was a second-round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers, who he played for until signing with the Giants prior to the 2020 season. Pierce was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens. Pierce remained with the Ravens before moving to the Vikings prior to the 2020 campaign.
 
After four seasons with the Panthers, Bradberry signed with the Giants last season and was named All-Pro for the first time in his career. He tied his career high in interceptions with three, and had a career-high 18 passes defended during the 2020 season. For his five-year NFL career, Bradberry had intercepted 11 passes, and defended 65 passes. He has accumulated 324 total tackles.
 
Pierce spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Ravens, and he signed as a free agent with the Vikings in 2020. He was a starter on the defensive line throughout his time with the Ravens, and he has tallied 144 tackles, including 83 solo stops and 3.5 tackles for loss. He opted out of the 2020 season, his first with the Vikings, but looks forward to returning to the field in 2021.
 
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