For University of New Mexico offensive lineman Richard Pearce, family is everything.
Raised by his parents in Alabama, Pearce always had a close relationship with his family. Pearce grew up with two sisters in a small community. His family supports him through and through, he said, as they all take turns showing up for his games.
“Once everything falls, that's all you have left,” Pearce said. “It's about having someone there through everything in life.”
Pearce originally got into football thanks to his dad, as he looked up to him while he played. Pearce started playing football at age six and has been playing ever since.
Pearce began his collegiate career in Greenville, North Carolina, where he played for the East Carolina Pirates. Pearce looks back at his time at East Carolina as a great experience.
“I made some great relationships,” Peace said. “I still keep in contact with the guys there.”
After two seasons with East Carolina, Pearce decided to take his talents to New Mexico, mainly due to the core values of the team. Pearce has a fiery passion for the game, and this upcoming season will be his last in collegiate football. He said he plans to make the most of it.
“I have the goal to play on Sunday,” Pearce said. “That's what motivates me every week and every day.”
Pearce doesn't only have passion for the game, but also Black history and the culture that comes with it.
“I would describe (Black culture) as turning bad into good and just making the best of what you have,” Pearce said. “It's a culture where you just find a way to make the best of our situation.”
Being Black himself, Pearce said Black History Month is very important to him.
“It serves as a reminder to be proud of who you are,” Pearce said. "There was a time where there weren’t as many Black athletes, so I do what I do with pride.”
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This upcoming year will be exciting to watch for Pearce as he continues to attempt to make his NFL dreams a reality, while making his family proud and representing his culture.
Rodney Prunty is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @rprunty05
