Ravens' Pierce sheds 20 lbs for camp after dismissal for poor conditioning

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce went on a serious diet in preparation for the start of training camp after being dismissed from June's minicamp for being overweight.

Pierce lost over 20 pounds in five weeks after working with the team's nutritionist, hiring a personal chef, and increasing his cardio workouts.

"Like I told my teammates, I really apologize for letting them down, and (that) has never been indicative of my character to come in out of shape," Pierce said after practice, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I told them it wouldn't happen again."

The 26-year-old passed Baltimore's conditioning test - which requires players to run 900 yards in six timed intervals - and is currently around 360 pounds, roughly 20 pounds heavier than his listed playing weight.

"He's maintained his muscle mass and lost the bad weight, the fat weight," head coach John Harbaugh said. "He still has a ways to go, but he passed the conditioning test. I think that's quite an accomplishment, especially for a big man like that.

"I'm impressed with what he's done and very confident he'll get the job done."

Pierce, a former undrafted free agent who's entering a contract year, attributed his increased weight to an error in his offseason workout regime.