The Atlanta Falcons selected James Pearce Jr. in the first round with the 26th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft is one of the greatest days for the professional linebacker, as his girlfriend, Rickea Jackson, was with him to celebrate his selection.
James began playing football at Julius L. Chambers High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he had 14.5 sacks and two interceptions as a senior.
He was a four-star prospect committed to playing college football at the University of Tennessee. As a true freshman in 2022, he played in all 13 games and had five tackles and two sacks.
The linebacker returned for his sophomore year in 2023 and ranked third in the SEC for sacks and fifth for tackles for loss.
He had successful sophomore and junior seasons that made him a draft prospect.
It means a lot to me that I’m a great person and a great player, and I feel like that’s what first-round picks fall under. I feel like that’s what the best player falls under.
James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr. And Rickea Jackson’s Relationship Stuns Sports Fans
The 2025 NFL Draft was full of surprises, but one of the biggest shocks had nothing to do with draft picks or trades.
During the 2025 Draft, James Pearce Jr.’s relationship with Rickea Jackson shocked every football and basketball fan.
LA Sparks’ Rickea Jackson Celebrates Boyfriend James Pearce Jr. Getting Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons! 🥹✨pic.twitter.com/2TZWLakHfu
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) April 25, 2025
James watched the draft from home with his family and close friends rather than attending in person.
When ESPN’s cameras cut to his reaction after his selection, fans were stunned to see Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson sitting beside him in a sleek black dress.
As the linebacker received the celebratory call, Rickea could be seen smiling proudly and gently patting his knee in support.
Their intimate moment sent social media into a frenzy, with football and basketball fans scrambling to confirm whether the two athletes were a couple.
James and Rickea have been rising stars in their respective sports. While neither has publicly confirmed their relationship before this moment, their chemistry on camera was undeniable.
However, the NFL Draft is typically family-focused, with players surrounded by parents, siblings, and childhood friends. Seeing a significant other, especially another high-profile athlete, in the inner circle added an unexpected twist.
Fans have mixed reactions. Most couldn’t believe that James and Rickea were dating. They might have started seeing each other at the University of Tennessee.
Rickea Jackson Plays For The Los Angeles Sparks In The WNBA
Rickea Jackson began playing basketball at Detroit Edison Public School Academy, leading her team to three consecutive Class C state titles.
As a five-star recruit, she committed to play college basketball for Mississippi State, where she won the Gillom Trophy as the top women’s college player in Mississippi.
Rickea announced her transfer to Tennessee on March 22, 2023. Although she was projected as a first-round pick in the 2023 WNBA draft, she returned to Tennessee for a fifth season of eligibility.
The Los Angeles Sparks selected her as the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft on April 15, 2024, and made her WNBA debut against the Atlanta Dream on May 15.
In her rookie season, she played in all 40 regular-season games and was named to the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Furthermore, Rickea represented the United States and won a silver medal at the 2019 Summer Universiade in Italy. Similarly, she won a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico.
She helped her team win a gold medal in 3×3 basketball at the 2019 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup in Mongolia and was named to the all-tournament team.
Rickea is the first WNBA player to sign a shoe deal with Skechers in July 2024.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- James Pearce Jr. played under defensive line coach Rodney Gardner at the University of Tennessee.
- Tennessee football has seen 13 total draft picks under head coach Josh Heupel, and James becomes No. 14.
- The Tennessee Volunteers football program has 364 all-time NFL Draft picks, ranking it 13th in the college football landscape and sixth in the current-day SEC.
