Alec Pierce and Sauce Gardner made each other better as Cincinnati Bearcats. Four years later, they can do the same thing Colts teammates

Alec Pierce made a name for himself in 2024.

It was the year he led the league with a remarkable 22.3 yards per catch, recorded 824 yards on just 33 receptions, scored seven touchdowns – most of which came in some kind of jaw-dropping fashion – and became the player the Colts knew he could be.

It was the year Pierce met Chris Ballard and Reggie Wayne's expectations, and it was the year he looked most like himself.

You might ask, how can a third-year wide receiver "look like himself?" What does that mean?

The answer is simple, really: Pierce was playing just like he was when he first caught the Colts' attention. He was playing like he did at the University of Cincinnati.

Pierce's career as a Bearcat was characterized by his ridiculous athleticism, fiery competitiveness and willingness