Atlanta Falcons rookie pass rusher James Pearce Jr. was arrested late Saturday night near Miami following a reported domestic dispute and a subsequent attempt to flee police, according to authorities. Police said officers were called to a disturbance involving a man and a woman before Pearce allegedly fled the scene and crashed his vehicle.
Pearce was taken into custody and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Jail records show he is facing multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police while lights or sirens were activated. Bond had not been set on all charges as the case continued to develop.
The Atlanta Falcons released a short statement confirming awareness of the incident. The team said it is in the process of gathering information and will not comment further while the legal matter remains open.
James Pearce Jr. (NFL)Police Identify Rickea Jackson as Dispute Figure Amid Pearce’s Standout Rookie NFL Season
Miami television station WPLG reported that Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the alleged dispute involved Pearce and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Jackson is a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. During the 2025 season, she averaged 14.7 points per game across 38 appearances, starting nearly every contest, after collegiate careers at Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Pearce, an edge rusher from Tennessee, was selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and quickly became a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense. He led the team with 10.5 sacks, set a rookie record with 45 quarterback pressures, and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He also recorded 26 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, and both forced and recovered a fumble while playing all 17 games.
