The NFL world was left stunned over the weekend after rising Atlanta Falcons star James Pearce Jr. was arrested on five felony charges after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson, in Miami.
Pearce’s charges include two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.
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Pearce, who was released after posting $20,500 bond on Sunday, maintains his innocence. However, the allegations against the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist are very troubling.
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According to Trish Christakis of NBC 6 Miami, “Jackson called police Saturday AM, stating Pearce was following her in his car. She told police they recently broke up after 3 years, and she blocked his number to avoid contact, but he used a separate number to continue contacting her.
Sep 3, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) walks into Gateway Center Arena at College Park before a game against the Atlanta Dream. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
“A text shows she told him to leave her alone, and she wanted nothing to do with him. He kept texting her, and when she left her house, she noticed him driving behind her. When she was stopped at a red light, she told police he got out of his car and tried to open her door.”
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Pearce allegedly intentionally crashed his vehicle into Jackson’s before attempting to flee the scene. While he was attempting to flee, Pearce struck an officer in the knee.
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Following his arrest, Pearce received a pre-trial stay-away order from Jackson, whom he has been dating since their time as star athletes at the University of Tennessee. The Falcons issued a statement saying they are aware of the incident, but declined further comment.
“We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time,” the statement read.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Pearce was selected by the Falcons with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, recording 26 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
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Before the draft, there were character concerns and “personality issues” surrounding Pearce, but Atlanta ultimately felt comfortable with their decision. Now, his NFL career is in limbo with the severity of the charges he is facing.
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