Antonio Pierce says he learned from New York Giants' 2008 season

by Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger
Tuesday January 27, 2009, 3:38 PM
TAMPA - Antonio Pierce was one of us today. A correspondent for the "Best Damn Sports Show, Period," he had his own press pass. And like us, he wasn't happy that they had put an old headshot on his pass.

But Pierce was one of the few members of the media who, in addition to interviewing, was interviewed as well. And during one of his brief sessions with reporters, he was asked if he's glad this past season, with all its ups and downs, is finally over.

"It was a lesson learned," Pierce said in reply. "I learned a lot from it."

Could he tell us what he learned?

"No," he said. "Unless you can help me out."

I told him I've learned my share of lessons - though to be abundantly clear, I've never experienced what he did when he was with Plaxico Burress on the night the Giants' top receiver shot himself. Pierce said Burress can be a Giant again "if he does what he needs to do," though he didn't specify what that is.

"I always turn negatives into positive," Pierce said. "That's how I look at life. You don't (take) negatives and just keep it going, keep going with negativity."

When asked about the fact the Giants beat both the Steelers and Cardinals, who will square off on Sunday in Super Bowl XLIII, Pierce said, "I think it's just a missed opportunity. You can't whine and gripe. We didn't take care of our business and they did. Those guys are deserving of it. They played good in the month of January. Like I always tell you guys, you've got to play well in the right month. We played well all regular season and didn't play well in the postseason."

As for how he feels being here, Pierce said, "It's different. Walking around with you guys, especially. I like being in those little (interview) booths with shade, water and all that good stuff. Now I have to fight for water and orange juice. I know what you guys do - you eat donuts and O.J."

He's got that right.

Actually, Pierce did a nice job from what I saw and heard. He flashed his Super Bowl ring when trying to get the Cardinals' players' attention for a question.

"Excuse me, excuse me," he yelled while waving his white-gold ring in the Tampa sunshine.

Pierce also gave Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin an air horn and told him to sound it as soon as he heard a reporter ask about his sideline feud with offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the NFC Championship. Pierce then asked three questions about Haley and Boldin immediately sounded the horn - just like his new mentor once did.