Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Faces Three Felony Charges in WNBA Incident
James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, was arrested on February 7, 2026, in Dade County, Florida. The incident involved WNBA player Rickea Jackson and has led to serious legal repercussions for Pearce.
Felony Charges Against Pearce
Pearce faces three felony charges including:
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Fleeing police
- Resisting an officer with violence
In addition to these, he is charged with a misdemeanor for stalking. Initially, Pearce faced another felony charge for aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer; however, this charge was subsequently dropped.
The Incident Details
The altercation reportedly began when Pearce followed Jackson’s vehicle for an extended period. He intentionally collided with both the front and rear bumpers of her car, blocking her access to a Doral police department building. Following a three-year relationship, Jackson had informed Pearce that she wanted him to leave her alone, even blocking his phone number.
Pearce spent the night in jail after his arrest and was released after posting a bond of $20,500. A judge also mandated that he must maintain a distance of 500 feet from Jackson’s residence. Jackson has indicated her willingness to testify against him during the trial.
Reaction from the Atlanta Falcons
In response to Pearce’s arrest, the Atlanta Falcons issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the situation but refrained from further comment because it is an ongoing legal matter. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expressed disappointment but noted insufficient information was available at this early stage regarding Pearce’s status with the team.
Pearce’s Background and NFL Performance
James Pearce was selected by the Falcons with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He had a notable rookie season, leading the team and all league rookies with 10.5 sacks.
The legal proceedings surrounding these felony charges will further impact Pearce’s career and the Falcons as they navigate the complexities of this situation.
