ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons' rookie standout, James Pearce Jr., was arrested near Miami on Saturday night following a police pursuit that ended in a car crash after a reported domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce, who was drafted as the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had an impressive rookie season where he led the Falcons in sacks.
According to local law enforcement, the incident prompted the Doral police to respond after receiving reports of a domestic altercation between Pearce and Jackson. Pearce has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding law enforcement. As of now, bond has not been set for these charges.
The Falcons organization acknowledged the incident in a public statement, indicating they are aware of the situation involving Pearce in Miami. “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 said.
WPLG TV in Miami reported that Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed that the dispute was between Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Jackson, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, had a productive season in 2025, averaging 14.7 points over 38 games, with 37 of those being starts. She has previously played for the University of Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Pearce, an edge rusher from Tennessee, made a significant impact in his rookie NFL season with 10.5 sacks, which placed him among the league's top performers. He also set a team record for a rookie with 45 quarterback pressures, in addition to registering 26 tackles and 16 quarterback hits throughout the season. Pearce contributed defensively by forcing a fumble and recovering another, showing a well-rounded performance during his first year in the league.
Despite Pearce's on-field accomplishments, the Falcons concluded the 2025 season with a disappointing 8-9 record. This lackluster performance led to significant organizational changes, including the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. In a bid to turn the franchise around, the Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach and Ian Cunningham as the general manager.
The unfolding events surrounding James Pearce Jr. serve as a reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by professional athletes both on and off the field. As the Falcons work to navigate this legal matter, they also look to reshape the team’s future under new leadership in the wake of a rocky season.
