KYLE RHINE | Reporter
Former Lindenwood Lion Pierre Desir captured his first career NFL interception Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It was the opening drive of the game when Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a deep ball down the right sideline and Desir jumped, intercepting the ball.
“It was a surprise to hear his name, but not to see him make the play,” said Lindenwood senior Wesley Thomas, a former teammate of Desir. “Pierre has been making those plays since I met him.”
During the game Desir recorded eight tackles and two pass deflections in the 20-17 loss for the Indianapolis Colts.
In three games played for the Colts, Desir has 15 tackles, five pass deflections and one interception.
Desir was drafted in 2014 by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round with the 127th pick overall. He is currently in his fourth season in the NFL according to NFL.com.
Throughout his four-year career, Desir has 71 tackles, 14 pass deflections and one interception in 31 games.
Desir played two seasons for Lindenwood and was the first defensive player to earn AFCA All-American honors and the first Lion to be given that award at the NCAA Division II level according to Lindenwood Athletics.
In his two-year career for Lindenwood, Desir recorded 13 interceptions and one touchdown in 21 games played.
Desir is from the St. Charles area and went to Francis Howell Central where he was an all-state selection and first team all-league during his junior and senior year.
“It’s great to see him finding a place he can call home and settle in,” Thomas said. “He’s worked for it all.”