“If I Could Do The Howard Stern Show Again, I’d Love to Do It”: Antonio Pierce’s Unlikely Journey from NFL Star to Media Intern
In the world of professional sports, the transition from the field to a second career is often a challenging one. Many athletes find themselves exploring various avenues, from coaching to broadcasting, as they seek to establish a new identity beyond their playing days.
For Antonio Pierce, the current head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and former New York Giants linebacker, this journey led him to an unexpected internship on one of the most iconic and controversial radio shows of all time—The Howard Stern Show.
Pierce, known for his fierce defensive play and leadership on the field, had his sights set on a future in broadcasting even before his NFL career came to a close.
With a Super Bowl victory under his belt and a reputation as a hard-hitting linebacker, Pierce was already a household name in the sports world. However, his ambitions extended beyond the gridiron, and he was eager to explore opportunities in the media.
In a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ popular podcast, Pardon My Take, Pierce opened up about his unique experience as a communications intern for The Howard Stern Show, a stint that left a lasting impression on him.
It was a surprising revelation that shed light on a side of Pierce few knew about—a side that wasn’t afraid to step out of his comfort zone and dive into the chaotic and unpredictable world of radio entertainment.
A Surprise Internship with the “King of Media”
The story begins with Pierce’s desire to gain experience in broadcasting, a field that had become increasingly appealing to him as he watched former teammates like Michael Strahan and Tiki Barber make successful transitions to media careers.
After the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory, Pierce was more determined than ever to explore this new path.
He began seeking out internships that would allow him to get a firsthand look at the media industry, and in his search, he landed an opportunity that was as unconventional as it was exciting—a day-long internship on The Howard Stern Show.
Pierce’s appearance on Pardon My Take provided a fascinating glimpse into how this opportunity came about. “So, when I was with the Giants, I had my weekly show,” Pierce explained. “I think it was the Pierce Fierce Report is what we called it.
And after we won the Super Bowl, I was like, ‘Hey, man, I want to (be in the media).’ Because I played with (Michael) Strahan, Tiki Barber—two guys that went to the media right after football. ‘I want to do some internships.’”
The concept of an NFL linebacker interning on a radio show, particularly one as infamous as Stern’s, might seem odd at first glance. But for Pierce, it was a natural extension of his curiosity and willingness to explore new challenges.
The idea of working with Stern, a man he knew to be a giant in the media world, was intriguing, even if he wasn’t fully aware of just how influential and sharp the radio host truly was at the time.
Behind the Scenes with Stern’s Crew
Pierce’s time on The Howard Stern Show was far from ordinary. He spent his day answering calls, performing typical intern duties, and even got pranked while working as a call screener—a rite of passage for anyone stepping into Stern’s world.
What began as a single day on the job quickly turned into an extended stay. The team was impressed with Pierce and asked him to stay on for the rest of the week, giving him a deeper dive into the show’s inner workings.
“And the next day, they’re like, ‘We’re gonna put you on camera.’ And then, it was crazy, man. I wish I could do it again,” Pierce recalled during the podcast.
He spoke of his interactions with the show’s staff, including Sal Governale, Richard Christy, and, of course, Howard Stern himself. “The first day, I literally did all the stuff with Sal, Richard, Howard, and all the guys behind the scenes.”
As Pierce immersed himself in the day-to-day operations of the show, he began to appreciate the genius behind Stern’s persona.
“I didn’t realize how smart he was, how sharp he was,” Pierce admitted. Stern’s reputation as the “King of All Media” was well-earned, and Pierce saw firsthand how meticulously the show was crafted, from the on-air antics to the intense behind-the-scenes preparation.
Lessons Learned and a Lasting Impression
Pierce’s brief stint on The Howard Stern Show may have been unorthodox, but it left a significant impact on him. The experience opened his eyes to the complexities of media production and the skill required to navigate such a high-pressure environment.
It also gave him a newfound respect for Stern, not just as a radio host, but as a media mogul who had built an empire through sheer talent and determination.
The internship became one of the most talked-about moments in Pierce’s post-NFL life. “It’s funny because I get asked about that second-close, other than the Super Bowl game,” Pierce revealed.
The fact that a single day spent as an intern on Stern’s show could rival the attention he received from his Super Bowl triumph speaks volumes about the enduring fascination with Stern’s world and the unique intersection of sports and entertainment.
Looking back, Pierce expressed a genuine desire to return to The Howard Stern Show if given the chance. “If I could do The Howard Stern Show again, I’d love to do it,” he said.
His admiration for Stern and the entire production team was evident as he described the experience. “Howard is a gentleman, obviously, very sharp. They got a good thing going on. How many years now? 30 years. He’s the king of media. He’s the godfather.”
Beyond Football: A Media Savvy Coach
Pierce’s story is a reminder that athletes are often much more than what they appear on the field. His willingness to explore the world of media, coupled with his natural charisma and intellect, has made him a well-rounded individual with a deep understanding of both sports and entertainment.
As the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, Pierce continues to apply the lessons he learned throughout his career, both on and off the field.
The connection between sports and media is stronger than ever, and Pierce’s journey is a testament to the opportunities that exist for athletes willing to embrace new challenges.
His time on The Howard Stern Show was a unique chapter in his life, one that added depth to his already impressive résumé.
Whether coaching on the sidelines or reminiscing about his days as a media intern, Antonio Pierce embodies the spirit of a modern athlete—one who is not defined by a single role but rather by a diverse set of experiences that shape his perspective and drive.
In the end, Pierce’s story is about more than just an internship. It’s about the curiosity and courage to step into unfamiliar territory, the willingness to learn from every experience, and the understanding that true greatness often comes from pushing beyond the boundaries of one’s comfort zone. As Pierce himself might say, “If I could do it all again, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
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