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Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce reached a major NFL milestone in the team’s season finale on Sunday, but the fourth-year veteran was unable to finish the game after he was ejected late in the third quarter for contacting an official on a disputed call.
Pierce, 25, finished with four receptions for a season-high 132 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 yards receiving in the process. He also finished the regular season leading the NFL with 21.3 yards per reception for the second year in a row.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) reacts after catching a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on January 4, 2026. (Thomas Shea/Imagn Images)
But the celebrations were dampened by Pierce’s first NFL suspension.
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“Just knowing this is my last game was not the way I wanted to finish. It was an abrupt end to the season here and stuff. I wanted to be out there and finish it with my brothers today,” Pierce told reporters after the team’s 38-30 loss to the Houston Texans.
Pierce was ejected on a third-and-goal play from the six-yard line. He pleaded his case to an official after believing Texans cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram should have been called for pass interference.
In the fight for a flag, Pierce drew one himself after making contact with the referee.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) questions a call during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Houston, Texas, on Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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“I thought it was pass interference, so I was just talking to him about it and then I guess I bumped into him,” the star wide receiver explained.
Pierce said he tried to apologize to the judge and clarify that it was not a “malicious act.”
“I just wanted to tell him I wasn’t trying to lay hands on him or anything.”
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks with Alec Pierce (14) after Pierce was ejected for making contact with an official in the third quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on January 4, 2026. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Despite missing the playoffs and failing to finish the game, Pierce said he was happy to reach his first 1,000-yard season.
“It’s a huge milestone. I think it’s a goal for any receiver in the NFL. It’s a remarkable milestone. Obviously, the season didn’t end the way we wanted and would much rather be in the playoffs, but take what we can get.”
