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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 couldn’t finish the game after he was ejected late in the third quarter for making contact with a referee over a disputed call.
Pierce, 25, finished with four receptions for 132 yards and a season-high two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in the process. He also finished the regular season leading the NFL with 21.3 receiving yards for the second straight year.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) reacts after catching a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on January 4, 2026. (Thomas Shea/Image Images)
But the celebrations were marred by Pierce’s first ejection in the NFL.
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“Just knowing this is my last game wasn’t the way I wanted to end it. 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 after 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.
While fighting for a flag, Pierce pulled 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 January 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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“I thought it was pass interference, so I was talking to him about it and then I guess I hit him,” the star receiver explained.
Pierce said he tried to apologize to the referee and clarify that it was not a “malicious act.”
“I just wanted to let him know that I wasn’t trying to put my hands on him or anything like that.”
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks with Alec Pierce (14) after Pierce was ejected for making contact with a referee during 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 not being able 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 the goal of every receiver in the NFL. It’s a notable milestone. Obviously the season didn’t end the way we wanted and we’d rather be in the playoffs, but we’ll take what we can get.”
