Steelers Now
BALTIMORE — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre downplayed his crucial one-handed interception off his cousin Lamar Jackson in Sunday’s 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens. His mom will do the talking for him.
“Not necessarily, no. It’s just my mom will be talking about it a lot,” Pierre said.
Pierre and Jackson played on the same youth football teams (Northwest Broward Raiders) growing up in South Florida. His INT was the first time he picked off his cousin.
“No, because we’ve always been on the same team,” Pierre said.
Jackson threw an ill-advised pass on the Pierre INT.
“I was trying to make something happen. It was like third down. I tried to throw it to Rasheen [Ali], but I threw it too light. He just made a good play on it with a one-handed interception,” Jackson said.
Lamar just got picked off by his COUSIN 😭
James Pierre with the int and the family bragging rights 😂
(via @NFL)
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 7, 2025
Pierre also had a banner day in the team’s 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, recording six tackles (three solos), two passes defended and a 34-yard scoop and score to seal the victory.
Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was held to three receptions for 30 yards, while the Bengals other standout receiver Tee Higgins had three receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Pierre played a big role in limiting the Bengals two-headed monster at receiver.
“He’s grown throughout the years,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “He’s gotten better with each and every year he’s been here, with roles and his ability to respond to opportunity and so forth. There’s a veteran, high level of consistency that we’re seeing right now. That’s why I talked about him the way I talked about him, I think on Tuesday.”
Pierre has been a on a tear in the last month. He’s been a major upgrade over Darius Slay, who was released from the team last week.
“That boy balling. I told him, I said that was a nice catch. He’s been making plays. We just love the energy he brings on the field,” Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. said.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe contributed reporting from Baltimore.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers CB James Pierre Earns Bragging Rights over Cousin Lamar Jackson
