Pierre Desir

Pierre Desir (/dəˈsɪər/ də-SEER; born September 8, 1990) is a Haitian American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football at Lindenwood and Washburn, and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has also played for the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pierre Desir
refer to caption
Desir with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018
Personal information
Born: (1990-09-08) September 8, 1990
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:192 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school:Francis Howell Central
(Cottleville, Missouri)
College:Washburn (2008–2010)
Lindenwood (2012–2013)
Position:Cornerback
NFL Draft:2014 / Round: 4 / Pick: 127
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • Cliff Harris Award (2013)
  • First-team Division II All-American (2012, 2013)
  • First-team All-MIAA (2009, 2012, 2013)
  • Second-team All-MIAA (2010)
Career NFL statistics as of 2021
Total tackles:287
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:1
Pass deflections:46
Interceptions:10
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Desir was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Wilfrid and Marie Desir.[1][2] He immigrated along with his family to the United States at the age of 4, at first living in St. Louis, Missouri. The family moved to the suburb of St. Charles when Desir was 11 years old.[2][3]

Desir attended Francis Howell Central High School in Cottleville, Missouri, where he was an all-state selection at defensive back. He was first-team all-league during his junior and senior seasons, and was named special teams player of the year as a senior. He averaged 37.8 yards per kickoff return and 8.9 yards per punt return. He was a record-breaking track runner while at the school as well.[3]

Desir spent his summers as a youth in Lynn and Salem, Massachusetts, and Montreal.

College career

Desir attended Washburn University, and played for the Washburn Ichabods from 2008 to 2010. He sat out his freshman year as a redshirt. In 2009, he was named first team all-MIAA after leading the conference with seven interceptions and 13 passes defended, and finished the season with 33 total tackles. He also averaged 29.4 yards per kickoff return on 10 attempts. In 2010, he recorded 46 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, nine pass deflections, one forced fumble, and five interceptions, earning himself second team all-MIAA honors.

In 2011, he left Washburn, citing a desire to be closer to his young children, and enrolled at Lindenwood University.[4] After not playing his first year, he returned in 2012 and was one of the top defensive players in the MIAA. To go along with 60 tackles, he finished second among all levels of NCAA football with nine interceptions and tied for the NCAA Division II lead with 18 passes defended. He was also named first-team All-MIAA and was a first-team AFCA Div. II All-American. In his final season, he once again was named a first-team All-MIAA selection and an AFCA Div. II All-American. He recorded 33 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He also won the inaugural Cliff Harris Award, honoring the nation's top small college defensive player.[5]

Desir finished his career ranked first in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics history in passes defended. His 25 career interceptions are the second most in conference history and rank him in the top 10 in Division II history.

Professional career

Desir was featured along with Jadeveon Clowney, Bishop Sankey, Blake Bortles, and Marqise Lee on ESPN's Draft Academy, which aired before the 2014 NFL Draft.

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 1 in
(1.85 m)
198 lb
(90 kg)
33 in
(0.84 m)
9+58 in
(0.24 m)
4.59 s1.59 s2.67 s4.30 s6.86 s35 in
(0.89 m)
11 ft 1 in
(3.38 m)
11 reps
All values from NFL Combine[6]

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns selected Desir in the fourth round with the 127th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He became the first player from Lindenwood to ever be selected in the NFL Draft and was the 15th cornerback drafted in 2014.[7][8]

2014 season

Pierre Desir at the Browns Training Camp in 2014.

On May 29, 2014, the Cleveland Browns signed Desir to a four-year, $2.62 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $407,612.[9][10]

Throughout training camp, Desir competed to be a backup cornerback against Isaiah Trufant and Leon McFadden.[11] Head coach Mike Pettine named Desir the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Joe Haden, Buster Skrine, and Justin Gilbert.[12] Desir was inactive as a healthy scratch for the first 12 games of the regular season. On November 30, 2014, Desir made his professional regular season debut during a 26–10 loss at the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. On December 21, 2014, Desir earned his first career start and collected a season-high seven solo tackles and broke up two pass attempts during a 17–13 loss at the Carolina Panthers in Week 16.[13] He finished his rookie season in 2014 with nine solo tackles and two pass deflections in five games and one start.[14]

2015 season

During training camp, Desir competed for a roster spot as the third cornerback against Justin Gilbert, Charles Gaines, Robert Nelson, and K'Waun Williams.[15] Head coach Mike Pettine named Desir the fourth cornerback on the Cleveland Browns' depth chart to begin the regular season. He was listed on the depth chart behind Joe Haden, Tramon Williams, and K'Waun Williams.[16] In Week 6, Desir collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (ten solo) and deflected one pass during a 26–23 loss against the Denver Broncos. He was inactive during the Browns' Week 12 loss against the Baltimore Ravens and a Week 14 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.[17][18] Desir finished the 2015 NFL season with 37 combined tackles (30 solo) and five pass deflections in 14 games and six starts.[14]

2016 season

On January 4, 2016, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer after they finished with a 3–13 record.[19] Throughout training camp, Desir competed for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against Justin Gilbert, Charles Gaines, Trey Williams, and Jamar Taylor.[20][21] On September 3, 2016, the Cleveland Browns officially waived Desir as part of their final roster cuts.[22]

San Diego Chargers

On September 4, 2016, the San Diego Chargers claimed Desir off of waivers.[23] Head coach Mike McCoy named Desir the fifth cornerback on the Chargers' depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers, Casey Hayward, and Craig Mager.[24] On October 22, 2016, the Chargers released Desir, but re-signed him two days later, only to be released again on October 29, 2016.[25][26][27]

Seattle Seahawks

On November 2, 2016, the Seattle Seahawks signed Desir to their practice squad.[28]

On January 16, 2017, the Seahawks signed Desir to a one-year, $790,000 reserve/future contract.[29] Throughout training camp, Desir competed to be a backup cornerback against Mike Tyson, Tramaine Brock, Neiko Thorpe, Demetrius McCray, and DeAndre Elliott.[30] On September 2, 2017, the Seattle Seahawks waived Desir as part of their final roster cuts.[31]

2017 season

On September 3, 2017, the Indianapolis Colts claimed Desir off of waivers.[32] Head coach Chuck Pagano named Desir the sixth cornerback on the Colts' depth chart, behind Vontae Davis, Rashaan Melvin, Nate Hairston, Quincy Wilson, and Kenny Moore.[33]

Desir earned a starting role in Week 8 after he surpassed Nate Hairston, Quincy Wilson, and Kenny Moore on the depth chart. He replaced Vontae Davis who was released on November 9, 2017,[34] On November 12, 2017, Desir collected a season-high eight combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made his first career interception during a 20–17 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. Desir intercepted a pass by Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, that was originally intended for wide receiver Martavis Bryant, during the first quarter.[35] On December 3, 2017, Desir suffered a shoulder injury as the Colts lost 30–10 at the Jacksonville Jaguars. On December 4, 2017, the Colts placed Desir on injured reserve.[36] He finished the season with 32 combined tackles (21 solo), seven pass deflections, and one interception in nine games and six starts.[14]

2018 season

On March 20, 2018, the Colts signed Desir to a one-year, $1.75 million contract that included $750,000 guaranteed.[37] Throughout training camp, Desir competed to be a starting cornerback against Nate Hairston, Quincy Wilson, and Kenny Moore.[38] Head coach Frank Reich named Desir the third cornerback on the Colts' depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Kenny Moore and Nate Hairston.[39] On September 30, 2018, Desir made five solo tackles, broke up a pass attempt, and intercepted a pass during a 37–34 loss against the Houston Texans. In Week 6, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 42–34 loss at the New York Jets.[40] He finished the 2018 NFL season with 79 combined tackles (60 solo), eight pass deflections, and one interception in 16 games and 12 starts.[14] Desir received an overall grade of 77.5 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked as the 18th best overall grade among all qualifying cornerbacks in 2018.[41]

2019 season

On March 13, 2019, Desir signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Colts with $12 million guaranteed.[42][43] In Week 7 against the Houston Texans, Desir recorded his first interception of the season off Deshaun Watson in the 30–23 win.[44] In Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers, Desir recorded two interceptions off passes thrown by rookie quarterback Will Grier during the 38–6 win.[45]

On March 21, 2020, Desir was released by the Indianapolis Colts.[46]

New York Jets

On April 2, 2020, the New York Jets signed Desir to a one year contract worth up to $5.5 million.[47][48]

In Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, Desir recorded his first interception as a Jet off a pass thrown by Nick Mullens during the 31–13 loss.[49] In Week 4 against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football, Desir recorded two interceptions off of passes thrown by quarterback Brett Rypien, including a pick six, in the 37–28 loss.[50] He also gave up a 48 yard touchdown reception to Broncos rookie wide receiver Jerry Jeudy during the game. On November 17, 2020, Desir was waived by the Jets.[51] Despite being waived, Desir was named the Jets nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.[52]

Baltimore Ravens

On November 28, 2020, Desir was signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.[53] He was elevated to the active roster on December 8, December 19, and December 26 for the team's weeks 13, 15, and 16 games against the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Giants, and reverted to the practice squad after each game.[54][55][56] He was elevated again on January 15, 2021, for the team's divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, and reverted to the practice squad again following the game.[57] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 25, 2021.[58]

Seattle Seahawks (second stint)

Desir signed with the Seattle Seahawks on April 23, 2021.[59] He was released on August 24, 2021.[60]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 13, 2021, Desir was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the practice squad.[61] He was promoted to the active roster on October 2, 2021.[62] He played in twelve games with the team, both as a cornerback and on special teams.[63]

NFL career statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFR
2014CLE 519900.02000.00000
2015CLE 146373070.05000.00000
2016SD 503300.01000.00000
2017IND 963221110.07100.00000
2018IND 16127960190.08111.01021
2019IND 12115038120.011300.00000
2020NYJ 984737100.0835819.358110
BAL 302200.00000.00000
2021TB 122282620.04200.00010
Career8546287226610.04610595.958141

Personal life

In 2011, Desir married Morgan Julian.They divorced in 2023[3] They have three children: Keeli, Kamryn, and Pierre, Jr.[64]

In February 2021, he donated 10,000 meals to the Houston Food Bank during Winter Storm Uri, which put much of Texas out of power, water, and heat.[65][66]

References

  1. Eighinger, Steve (December 6, 2013). "Howell Central alum Desir eyes NFL draft". St. Louis Today. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  2. "Bucs' Pierre Desir knows hardship and it has nothing to do with his nomadic career". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  3. Pearlman, Jeff. "For NFL Prospect Pierre Desir, It's Always Been Fatherhood, Then Football". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  4. Corbitt, Ken. "Desir upset release denied by Washburn". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  5. Desir Inaugural Cliff Harris Award Winner
  6. "Pierre Desir Stats, News and Video - CB". NFL.com.
  7. "2014 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  8. "Lindenwood Players/Alumni". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  9. "Cleveland Browns sign third-round pick LB Christian Kirksey for $3.04 million". Spotrac.com. June 5, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  10. "Spotrac.com: Pierre Desir contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  11. "Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2014: CB Preview, Part 1". dawgsbynature.com. July 25, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  12. "Browns Release Week 1 Depth Chart: Surprises and a Mistake". dawgpounddaily.com. September 2, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  13. "NFL Player stats: Pierre Desir (2014)". NFL.com. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  14. "NFL Player stats: Pierre Desir (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  15. "Pierre Desir spends day with starters, ahead of Justin Gilbert". ESPN.com. August 2, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  16. Pokorny, Chris (September 5, 2015). "Cleveland Browns Roster Cuts: The Final 53-Man Roster". dawgsbynature.com. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  17. "Inactives: 49ers OLB Lynch out with concussion vs Browns". nbcsports.com. December 13, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
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  26. Henne, Ricky (October 25, 2016). "Chargers Place DT Caraun Reid on IR; Re-Sign CB Pierre Desir". Chargers.com.
  27. "Chargers Waive CB Pierre Desir, Promote WR Isaiah Burse To Active Roster". October 29, 2016.
  28. "Seahawks Sign CB Pierre Desir To Practice Squad". November 2, 2016.
  29. "Seahawks Sign 10 Players To 2017 Future Contracts". Seahawks.com. January 16, 2017. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  30. "Defensive coordinator Kris Richard says CB Pierre Desir has shown 'true consistency'". seahawkswire.usatoday.com. August 29, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  31. Drovetto, Tony (September 2, 2017). "Seahawks Make Three More Trades, Set 53-Man Roster". Seahawks.com. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017.
  32. "Colts Claim Five Players Off Waivers". Colts.com. September 3, 2017. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017.
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  35. "Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts - November 12th, 2017". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
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  45. "Hines' long returns help send Colts past Carolina 38-6". www.espn.com. Associated Press. December 22, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
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  51. Greenberg, Ethan (November 17, 2020). "Jets Place CB Brian Poole on Injured Reserve, Release CB Pierre Desir". NewYorkJets.com.
  52. Botte, Peter (December 10, 2020). "Pierre Desir, Jets' Man of the Year nominee, isn't on the team anymore". New York Post. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  53. Brown, Clifton (November 28, 2020). "Dez Bryant Signed to Ravens' 53-Man Roster". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  54. Brown, Clifton (December 8, 2020). "Anthony Averett Activated, Two Called Up From Practice Squad". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  55. Williams, Charean (December 19, 2020). "Ravens activate Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, James Proche". NBCSports.com. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  56. Oyefusi, Daniel (December 26, 2020). "Ravens elevate QB Tyler Huntley, CB Pierre Desir to active roster vs. Giants". BaltimoreSun.com. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  57. "Ravens' Pierre Desir: Elevated from practice squad". CBS Sports. January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  58. "Baltimore parts with eight". FantasyGuru.com. January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  59. Boyle, John (April 23, 2021). "Seahawks Sign CB Pierre Desir". Seahawks.com. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  60. Simmons, Myles (August 24, 2021). "Seahawks releasing Pierre Desir to make room for Luke Willson". NBCSports.com. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  61. Smith, Scott (September 13, 2021). "Bucs Promote Andrew Adams, Put Two on IR". Buccaneers.com.
  62. Smith, Scott (October 2, 2021). "Bucs Elevate CB Rashard Robinson, TE Codey McElroy for Patriots Game". Buccaneers.com.
  63. "2022 State of the Bucs: Cornerbacks". www.buccaneers.com. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  64. "KRAVITZ: After years of hardship, Colts' Desir and his young family hope Indy becomes home". wthr.com. November 21, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  65. "CB Pierre Desir donates 10K meals to Houston food bank".
  66. "Texas weather: Deaths mount as winter storm leaves millions without power". BBC News. February 17, 2021.
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