Just a couple of days ago Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. But after the events of Saturday night, his entire career is in jeopardy.
According to multiple reports, Pearce has been arrested and jailed on domestic violence charges including aggravated battery and aggravated stalking. Pearce's girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson, is believed to be on the receiving end of whatever he may have done.
A short while ago, the Falcons released a statement acknowledging their awareness of the situation, which took place in Miami. The team said it would not have any further comment since it is an open legal matter.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., 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 team said, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
The Backlash
The Falcons may be able to take their time, but the NFL might not be as patient. Under the league's domestic violence police, Pearce could be facing a minimum suspension of six games next season. And that's assuming that the Falcons don't decide to cut him outright.
NFL fans are already more than happy to see him never represent their league ever again:
"The predraft off field issues that were being reported on him during the draft process turned out to be right. He just ruined his career," one user wrote on X.
"James Pearce Jr. is young enough to get help and fix his character issues, this will be Matt Ryan’s and the new Falcons regime first real test of adversity. But man this looks bad I can’t even lie. I see why he went from projected number one overall to 26th," wrote another.
"I used to just think James Pearce was an incredibly mediocre obvious passing situations guy. After a full season of watching him, I think he’s an incredibly mediocre obvious passing situations guy that is also a (expletive) human being. I’m vindicated," a third wrote.
"If I belittled you at any point for saying James Pearce Jr. had character concerns, I'm genuinely sorry. Drag me, cook me, do whatever you gotta do. I deserve it."
Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
As a rookie in 2025, Pearce emerged as a very productive situational pass rusher. Despite playing less than 55% of his team's defensive snaps, he finished the year with 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits.
Pearce finished third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, taking two of the 50 first-place votes.