James Pearce Jr. has emerged as one of the standout rookies in the NFL, playing as an edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons after being selected with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 draft out of the University of Tennessee. Known for his explosive pass-rushing skills, he recorded an impressive 10.5 sacks in his debut season, leading all rookies in that category. While his on-field performance garners attention, his personal life—specifically his relationship with WNBA star Rickea Jackson—has also become a topic of interest among fans.
Rickea Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft following her successful college career at Tennessee. In her second professional season, she averaged 14.7 points per game, and she is currently participating in the Unrivaled 3×3 league in Miami during the offseason. The couple, who met during their overlapping time as athletes at the University of Tennessee, has maintained a relatively low-profile romance until recent events brought it into the public eye.
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Shared Roots and Professional Achievements
Both James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson built strong reputations at Tennessee, where their paths crossed as standout athletes in football and basketball, respectively. Jackson played for the Lady Vols from 2022 until entering the WNBA draft, developing into a versatile scorer and rebounder. Pearce Jr., meanwhile, honed his defensive skills as a disruptive force on the Volunteers’ line, earning recognition that led to his high NFL draft position.
Their professional journeys highlight the intersection of college sports talent from the same program. Jackson has continued to impress in the WNBA with the Sparks, while Pearce Jr. quickly established himself in Atlanta, contributing significantly to the Falcons’ defense as a rookie. Fans have noted the inspiring aspect of two athletes from Tennessee succeeding at the highest levels in their respective leagues.
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Relationship and Recent Developments
The couple appeared to confirm their relationship publicly in April 2025 during a draft celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina, held in honor of Pearce Jr. Videos from the event showed Jackson offering support by his side, with affectionate gestures that fans interpreted as a “hard launch” of their romance. Pearce Jr. has previously expressed admiration for Jackson, once naming her as his favorite athlete in interviews.
However, their relationship faced intense scrutiny following an incident on February 7, 2026, in Doral, Florida. Police responded to a domestic dispute involving James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson; he allegedly fled the scene, leading to a police chase that ended in a vehicle crash. Pearce Jr. was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding officers, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
The Falcons acknowledged awareness of the situation and stated they were gathering information without further comment on the ongoing legal matter. Jackson has not issued a public statement. While described as his girlfriend in many reports, some references have noted strain or referred to her as an ex amid the events, leaving their current status unclear as privacy has been their preference.
This situation has drawn concern from fans, particularly in women’s basketball circles, emphasizing the seriousness of domestic issues in high-profile relationships. As legal proceedings continue, the couple’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face balancing public careers and private lives.
