Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. faces 5 felony charges following a violent incident in Florida on February 7, 2026. Police records show that Rickea Jackson of the Losarks made 7 emergency services calls reporting stalking and harassment before the crash. These calls occurred between November 2025 and February 2026.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr.
Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. (27) reacts after a defensive stop in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
On November 24, 2025, police responded to a domestic disturbance. Pearce allegedly arrived at the residence late at night and refused to leave. On January 13, 2026, police gave Pearce a formal warning to stay away.
Horrifying: Weeks before Falcons LB James Pearce Jr. rammed his car into WNBA player Rickea Jackson’s car, at least SEVEN 911 calls by Rickea were made that she was being stalked and harassed.
Pearce really threw his career away 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/UqaYNqIKfb
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 9, 2026
Despite this, 2 calls came on January 28, 2026. One call reported a daytime burglary, during which witnesses saw Pearce leaving the scene. Another call reported that Pearce damaged a door while trying to enter. On February 1 and February 2, 2026, security guards reported that Pearce was stalking the victim.
The situation turned physical on February 7, 2026. Pearce followed Jackson in a white Lamborghini SUV. He tried to open her car door at a red light. Jackson tried to drive to the Doral Police Department for safety.
Pearce then rammed his SUV into her vehicle 3 times. When police arrived, Pearce tried to flee. He struck a police officer in the knee with his vehicle during the escape.
Pearce now faces 2 counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He also faces charges for aggravated stalking and fleeing from police. He is charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
The Falcons drafted Pearce as the 26th overall pick in 2025. The team is now gathering more information about the case. Jackson told police she will testify against Pearce.
The NFL is reviewing the case under the Personal Conduct Policy. Pearce could lose his career and face 15 years in prison if convicted. This case highlights a pattern of behavior that lasted for 4 months.
Police records confirm that Jackson asked for help 7 times before the final attack. Pearce remains in custody while the legal process moves forward.
James Pearce Jr. sets new franchise rookie record
James Pearce Jr. joined the Atlanta Falcons as the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He delivered a dominant rookie performance, recording 10.5 sacks across 17 games. This total ranked 12th among rookies and 12th in the league.
His impact earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and third place in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Pearcealso set a franchise rookie record with 45 quarterback pressures while adding 26 total tackles and a forced fumble.
Before his professional career, he was a two-time First-team All-SEC standout at the University of Tennessee, where he recorded 19.5 career sacks.