Originally signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on April 22, 2002, Nece clinched a roster spot that season and quickly made a name for himself as a special teams standout. After playing in the first eight games of his NFL career as a reserve linebacker and special teams power, Nece suffered a season-ending ACL tear against the Carolina Panthers on October 27, 2002. He spent the rest of that season supporting his teammates from the sidelines as the Buccaneers went on to win a World Championship in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Hard work and dedicated rehabilitation helped Nece make his way back on the field in time for the 2003 season. By 2005, Nece had cemented his place as the Buccaneers starting strongside linebacker as he finished that season with a career-high 104 tackles, as well as 15 special teams tackles and two sacks.

In six years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nece appeared in 85 games (35 starts), registering 276 career tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, and 3.5 sacks. His tremendous work ethic and solid play is not only limited to his time on defense, as he was a significant contributor on special teams having recorded 73 special teams tackles and one special teams fumble recovery. In four of his six NFL seasons, he has garnered over 10 special teams tackles. He was released by the Buccaneers August 30, 2008.

Nece spent the 2008 season starting at linebacker with the Detroit Lions. He finished the season with 45 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and one interception.

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