Alec Pierce’s ties to family and Wisconsin

INDIANAPOLIS – Among the treasures in Ron and Anne Pierce’s home in Wisconsin is a gift then three-year-old, Alec gave his grandmother for Valentine’s Day.

“It was a Valentine’s box all decorated and you lift off the lid and there’s the candy man, the M&M man in there,” Anne recalled laughing. “But he’d eaten all the candy out.”

Alec is one of their nine grandchildren. All of whom have had athletic and academic success.

“He was investigative,” Anne said. “He tried everything. He was always busy. Just a great kid. You know they played a lot of sports in their backyard.”

“He’s got so many talents that he uses to his full extent and the academics,” said Alec’s grandfather, Ron. “In my mind, he’s just kind of a super person.”

Alec studied engineering just like his grandfather. He also fell in love with Ron’s football team, the Packers, despite growing up in suburban Chicago.

“A lot of people I knew were Packers’ fans,” said Alec. “I think there’s a lot of Wisconsin people that live in the suburbs of Illinois. It’s a big rivalry, but it was always easy, because the Packers were usually better than the Bears.”

Game time on Sunday will be special for both grandparents and grandchild. Ron and Anne will be watching at home as Alec runs on to Lambeau Field.

“I think I went to two games there growing up,” Alec recalled. “It was the first time I’d ever been in an NFL stadium. Wisconsin’s a place that’s near and dear to my heart, so it will be exciting to be up there.”

“We love the Packers. I mean that’s our team,” said Anne. “That’s our team until they play the Colts. Then of course, we’ll root for family.”

As for Ron and Anne’s pride meter at kickoff?

“100-percent,” Anne said emphatically. “100-percent proud.”

“I busted through,” Ron laughed.

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