James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Getty
James Pearce Jr. become a rookie record setter for the Falcons in Week 15.
Atlanta Falcons Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr. is facing some intense legal trouble. Teammates and coaches are giving small remarks regarding his situation.
According to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Safety Jesse Bates III made remarks regarding Pearce’s situation.
Marc Raimondi
Bates said he did speak with James Pearce Jr. “Just letting him know he’s not alone during this tough time. … James is not just a teammate, he’s a brother to us.” Bates said “of course” the team would love to see him its locker room. #Falcons
“Bates said he did speak with James Pearce Jr. ‘Just letting him know he’s not alone during this tough time. … James is not just a teammate; he’s a brother to us.’ Bates said ‘of course’ the team would love to see him its locker room”. Raimondi wrote on his official X account.
Pearce is facing four criminal charges, including three felonies in regard to crashing his vehicle into one driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Jackson is Pearce’s ex-girlfriend. James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Feb. 7 due to these actions.
Kevin Stefanski’s Comments on James Pearce Jr.
“Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is not with the team at the start of the voluntary offseason workout program.” Marc Raimondi wrote in an ESPN article.
The Atlanta Falcons have said little to nothing regarding incident since it happened. Kevin Stefanski said some words on Wednesday regarding Pearce’s situation.
“We’ve been in constant communication with his representation,” Stefanski said in the ESPN article.
It’s clear that the Falcons do not want to say much regarding Pearce’s situation. Nonetheless, many will wonder if Pearce has a future in the NFL after his actions.
James Pearce Jr. attended the University of Tennessee. He was selected 26th overall by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft. Atlanta traded up to select Pearce.
James Pearce Jr. recorded 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. The 22-year-old was third in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Pearce’s 10.5 sacks were the most for a rookie since Micah Parsons in 2024.
James Pearce Jr’s Arrest Details and Hearings
According to a USA Today article by Eric Larsen, court records show that Pearce faces four felony allegations in the dispute and the pursuit:
Two counts of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Felony aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
Felony fleeing and eluding police with lights and sirens activated.
Misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence.
After Pearce Jr. allegedly crashed his vehicle into WNBA player Rickea Jackson’s vehicle multiple times, Pearce also struck a police officer with the vehicle while evading arrest.
After Jackson tried to drive to Doral Police Department headquarters, Pearce purposely rear-ended the WNBA player. Pearce then blocked Jackson’s access to the police headquarters with his vehicle. As Jackson was trying to escape Pearce, he intentionally collided head-on with her vehicle, according to a Local News 10 report.
“According to a separate DPD report, officers arrived soon after and as an officer pulled out his gun and ordered Pearce to the ground, the athlete ignored his commands and got back in his Lamborghini. Police said the officer tried to open the door to get Pearce out twice, but he drove away and hit the officer in the knee as he fled. As he led officers on a chase, Pearce eventually crashed near Northwest 102nd Path and 65th Lane and began to run away, police said.” Local 10 News reported.
Pearce was arrested on February 7th. After appearing in Miami-Dade bond court, a judge ordered Pearce to stay away from Rickea Jackson. Pearce was released from jail on February 8th after posting bail. A dating violence hearing regarding Rickea Jackson’s protective order against Pearce is scheduled for May 6.