Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce expressed deep gratitude to recently traded teammate Michael Pittman Jr. for mentoring him into an NFL starter, sharing insights on NFL Network amid the wideout room transition following Pittman's move to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As part of the fallout from the Colts' four-year, $114 million extension for Alec Pierce—which precipitated Michael Pittman Jr.'s trade to the Steelers (see prior coverage)—Pierce stepped into a leadership role in Indianapolis' receiver group. The 2022 second-round pick, who posted 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, reflected on Pittman's influence during an appearance on NFL Network's Good Morning Football.
"Huge, huge presence in the locker room. He’ll definitely be missed; we’re gonna miss his leadership," Pierce said. "Pitt was a guy that I was really, really happy I got the chance to play with him. Really grateful for that. Just such a good leader, such a good teammate. I learned so much from him in the receiver game, and really just that kind of operational. He almost took me under his wing and kind of taught me how to be an NFL player."
Pittman, a 2020 second-rounder, had been a reliable veteran for Indy before the salary-driven trade. Pierce, leveraging his raw athleticism (height, weight, speed), credited Pittman for skill refinement. Now, Pierce aims to mentor younger Colts receivers, while Pittman is positioned as a WR2 and leader in Pittsburgh alongside DK Metcalf.
