Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. had four charges brought against him on Thursday by the Miami-Dade State Attorney regarding the Feb. 7 incident with WNBA player Rickea Jackson, according to a court document obtained by ESPN.
The 22-year-old Pearce Jr., who played collegiately at Tennessee, has been charged with three felonies. Those charges are aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person.
Meanwhile, a fourth arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking was switched to a misdemeanor. Pearce Jr. also had his arrest charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer dropped.
Pearce Jr. was arrested and was held overnight in a county correctional center prior to paying a $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8.
The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce Jr. was drafted by the Falcons with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. During his first pro season, Pearce Jr. tallied 10.5 sacks with a forced fumble and fumble recovery en route to making the PFWA All-Rookie team.
Pearce Jr. played for Tennessee from 2022 to 2024. The Charlotte, North Carolina native was a back-to-back First-team All-SEC member in 2023 and 2024.
Rolando Rosa