Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Faces Three Felony Charges, Misdemeanor
James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, faces serious legal issues following multiple charges filed against him. On March 12, 2026, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced four charges linked to a disturbing incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Against Pearce
Pearce, who is 22 years old, is charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor. The three felony charges are:
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Fleeing and eluding police
- Resisting an officer with violence
The fourth charge, initially marked as felony aggravated stalking, has been reduced to a misdemeanor. An earlier charge of aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer was dropped.
Incident Details
The charges stem from a February 7 incident in which Pearce allegedly pursued Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, colliding with her vehicle multiple times while she tried to reach a police station in Doral, Florida. When confronted by law enforcement, he fled, leading to a police chase that ended when he crashed his car. After fleeing on foot, Pearce was apprehended and reportedly resisted arrest.
Following his arrest, Pearce spent a night in a correctional facility. He was released on February 8 after posting a bond of $20,500.
Protective Order Filed by Jackson
On February 9, Rickea Jackson, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, filed for a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. In her petition, she expressed a profound fear for her life, stating that “James will kill me” if the court does not intervene. Jackson accused Pearce of verbal and physical abuse, along with making threats to harm her.
The court approved her initial request for protection, with a hearing on a permanent injunction scheduled for April 21. Pearce is now legally barred from contacting Jackson and must maintain a distance of 500 feet from her home and workplace, as well as 100 feet from her vehicle.
NFL and Team Response
As this case unfolds, the NFL is actively monitoring the situation under its personal conduct policy. The Atlanta Falcons have chosen not to comment on the matter at this time. According to reports, police records indicate Pearce was involved in at least seven other 911 calls relating to previous incidents with an unnamed ex-girlfriend from November until the day of his arrest.
The gravity of these charges raises significant concerns about Pearce’s future both on and off the field.
