The easy part was going from a relatively anonymous special team player to the outstanding centrepiece of one of the NFL?s meanest defences.

Now comes the tough part.

Bermudian Antonio Pierce?s remarkable rise from Washington Redskins reserve to Pro Bowl alternate selection is going to make the off-season a lot more complicated for him and a lot more expensive for his club.

As Pierce is a restricted free agent, coach Joe Gibbs has only until March 1 to sign the player before other clubs climb over each other to secure his services.

Fortunately for Washington, Pierce, who was the team leader on tackles and scored a 78-yard interception touchdown against the 49ers three weeks ago, is keen to stay in DC, subject to the right offer ? something he has changed agents to achieve.

The 24-year-old, who recorded a career-high 112 tackles, is confident a deal can be sealed before he hits the open market and has recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to handle negotiations.

?It would have to be a mind-blowing offer for me to leave because as long as coach (Gregg) Williams is here, I think I?m a good fit for this defence,? Pierce said.

?I want to get it done before free agency. I don?t see it happening in the next few days but maybe February.

?I want to be here in the future but I need to make sure I get my true value. There are a few things going on, we are talking and I?m sure it is going to be sorted out.

?If they come up with the numbers then I am going to be a Redskin.?

With the Redskins having to deal with a large number of free agents, and only achieving a 6-10 record despite having the highest-paid playing and coaching rosters in franchise history, it could be all-change at the FedEx Field this off-season.

At an hour-long Press conference this week, coach Gibbs made it clear that he?s going to be busy in the market, but the players have to be busy at practice.

Gibbs challenged his players to match his work ethic, saying he expects 100 percent attendance during off-season programmes that are officially deemed ?voluntary?. He said anyone who skips them is making a statement.

?If they make that statement, then we?re going to act accordingly,? Gibbs said. ?I?m not going to be counting on somebody?s who?s not around here.

?One thing I like to tell the players: You need to organise your life. If I make a lot of money playing football, I?m going to hire somebody to do my account work. I?m going to hire somebody to go live with my sister. Spend $50,000 and protect your million dollars. Come up here and work.?

He can count on that level of commitment from Pierce, although the middle linebacker will be taking at least one vacation, returning to Bermuda to visit father Cleo Burrows in Southampton.

Pierce, who made his stellar rise after an injury to linebacker Mike Barrow handed him a starting place, is committed to the club he joined as an undrafted free agent from Arizona in 2001.

After a busy rookie season, he spent the last two years languishing on special teams before being given his chance to shine, a chance he gripped as tight as he has his two 2004 interceptions.

?You don?t know how good a guy is if he never gets a chance,? added Pierce,whose confidence levels have increased with his performances this season.

?I haven?t done anything different, I have just had the opportunity to show what I can do.

?I have always said that I knew I could do it if they gave me a shirt and that is what I have been doing this season.

?I?m lovin? it at the moment. I enjoy making the big plays and being in the team.?