James Pearce Jr. Bio, Age, Height, Girlfriend, Family, Career Stats, Net Worth 2026 | Falcons LB

James Pearce Jr. is an American professional football linebacker who burst onto the NFL scene as a dominant edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons. From his record-breaking college career at the University of Tennessee to becoming one of the most promising young defensive players in professional football, Pearce’s journey from Charlotte, North Carolina, to NFL stardom has been marked by extraordinary athletic achievement. However, his promising career now faces serious uncertainty following his arrest in February 2026 on felony charges related to a domestic dispute. As of 2026, Pearce represents both the pinnacle of athletic success and the complexities facing young professional athletes in the spotlight.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

James Cecil Pearce Jr. was born on October 12, 2003, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, Pearce discovered his passion for football at age 6 when he joined the C-Meck Raiders in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Football League. From his very first day playing organized football, Pearce was placed on defense—a position he would never leave.

“I just put a hand in the ground; even at such a young age, I knew I’d found the rest of my life,” Pearce recalled. “It just brought me peace, brought me a lot. What it taught me, the life lessons… It’s something God told me, a feeling I had inside. I’m like, I can’t let this go.”

Pearce attended Julius L. Chambers High School in Charlotte, where he developed into one of the nation’s premier defensive line prospects. During his four years at Chambers, the Cougars posted a remarkable 47-10 record and won four consecutive North Carolina Class 4A State Championship appearances, including back-to-back state titles in 2019 and 2020.

As a senior in 2021, Pearce recorded impressive statistics: 14.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two safeties, and two interceptions. His junior year was equally dominant with 47 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. These performances earned him a five-star rating from On3.com (No. 11 overall nationally) and a four-star rating from 247Sports (No. 202 nationally).

Despite receiving 18 scholarship offers from Power 5 programs including Georgia and Florida, Pearce committed to the University of Tennessee in December 2021, becoming part of head coach Josh Heupel’s first full recruiting class.

Career Journey

College Career at Tennessee (2022–2024)

Freshman Year (2022): Pearce played in all 13 games as a true freshman, primarily on special teams and in rotational defensive roles. He recorded 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks—his first coming against Akron and another against Missouri. This season served as a developmental year for the young edge rusher.

Sophomore Breakout (2023): Pearce exploded onto the national scene in his second season, earning First-Team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press and coaches. He played in all 13 games with 3 starts, recording 28 tackles (23 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception returned 52 yards for a touchdown in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa.

His 10 sacks tied for the SEC lead, and his 21.3% pressure rate and 92.4 pass-rush grade ranked third in the nation according to Pro Football Focus. He dominated against South Carolina with 2 sacks and 9 pressures, earning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.

Junior Year and NFL Draft Declaration (2024): Pearce again earned First-Team All-SEC honors, becoming the first Tennessee defensive lineman to achieve back-to-back first-team All-SEC recognition since College Football Hall of Famer John Henderson (2000-01). He started all 13 games, recording 38 tackles (23 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

He was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player), Lombardi Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year. His 19.5 career sacks tied for 10th in Tennessee history and represented the most by a Vol since Derek Barnett’s school record 33 sacks (2014-16).

College Career Stats:

• Games Played: 39 (12 starts)
• Total Tackles: 71 (44 solo)
• Tackles for Loss: 29.5
• Sacks: 19.5
• Forced Fumbles: 3
• Pass Deflections: 3
• Interceptions: 1 (52-yard touchdown return)
• QB Pressures: 113 (per PFF)

NFL Career

2025 NFL Draft: Pearce declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after his junior season. Despite being ranked as the No. 1 player in the country by ESPN and On3 entering the 2024 season, concerns about “character issues” caused him to slide in some mock drafts. However, the Atlanta Falcons traded up with the Los Angeles Rams from pick No. 46 to No. 26, giving up their 2026 first-round pick, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 seventh-round pick to select Pearce.

Rookie Season (2025): Pearce signed a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $16.78 million with an $8.84 million signing bonus. He immediately delivered on the field, recording:

• 17 solo tackles
• 10.5 sacks (leading all rookies)
• 1 forced fumble
• 5 pass deflections
• 1 fumble recovery

His 10.5 sacks made him the first Falcons player in nearly a decade to reach double-digit sacks in a season and established him as a candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He appeared in all 17 games and played 53.7% of defensive snaps.

Personal Life

Relationship with Rickea Jackson

Pearce was in a high-profile relationship with Rickea Jackson, a WNBA star for the Los Angeles Sparks. The couple met while both were student-athletes at the University of Tennessee—Pearce on the football team and Jackson on the women’s basketball team (after transferring from Mississippi State).

Their relationship became public during the 2025 NFL Draft, when cameras captured Jackson sitting alongside Pearce at his draft party in Charlotte, wearing a glamorous black dress and rubbing his leg as he received the call from the Atlanta Falcons. The moment went viral on social media, with fans dubbing them a “power couple.”

In May 2025, Pearce named Jackson as his “favorite athlete” in an ESPNW interview, citing her as “fluid, smooth, sound and technical.” However, Jackson confirmed in September 2025 that the couple had split, though they remained in contact.

Family Background

Pearce maintains privacy regarding his family details. His parents’ names have not been publicly disclosed, though his mother gained viral attention in February 2026 when a video surfaced of her speaking at the NFL Honors about her son’s “heart of gold”—just two days before his arrest. Pearce is a native of Charlotte and maintains strong ties to his hometown community.

Faith and Character

Pearce is a devout Christian who has spoken about his faith guiding his career. During his time at Tennessee, he emphasized personal growth off the field: “Probably off the field I probably grew the most, just learning from everything… Just be more consistent in being a man and the goals and dreams I’m chasing.”

Controversies and Legal Issues

February 2026 Arrest

On February 7, 2026, Pearce was arrested in Doral, Florida, following a domestic dispute involving his ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson. According to police reports and multiple media outlets:

• Officers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at Doral police headquarters
• The dispute involved Pearce and Jackson, who was in Miami playing for Breeze BC in the Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league
• Pearce allegedly fled the scene, leading to a vehicle pursuit
• The chase ended when Pearce crashed his vehicle
• He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon

Pearce was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond initially not set. The Atlanta Falcons released a statement saying: “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 arrest occurred just two days after Pearce attended the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, where he was nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and just one day after his mother’s viral speech about his character.

As of February 9, 2026, the legal case remains ongoing, and Pearce’s NFL career status is uncertain pending the outcome of the investigation and potential league discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Awards & Achievements

College Awards

• 2× First-Team All-SEC (2023, 2024) – Associated Press and Coaches
• Bednarik Award Semifinalist (2024) – Nation’s top defensive player
• Lombardi Award Semifinalist (2024) – Nation’s top lineman/linebacker
• Walter Camp Player of the Year Semifinalist (2024)
• SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (3×) – vs. South Carolina (2023), vs. Texas A&M (2023), vs. Florida (2024)
• Reese’s Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Florida, 2024)

NFL Achievements

• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate (2025)
• First Falcons player with 10+ sacks in nearly a decade (2025)
• Led all rookies in sacks (10.5 in 2025)

Records and Milestones

• First Tennessee defensive lineman with back-to-back First-Team All-SEC honors since John Henderson (2000-01)
• Tied for 10th in Tennessee career sacks (19.5)
• Most sacks by a Vol since Derek Barnett (2014-16)
• Generated 113 QB pressures in three college seasons

Physical Statistics

Pearce possesses elite athletic traits for an edge rusher, particularly his 4.47-second 40-yard dash time, which is exceptional for a player of his size. His combination of length, speed, and explosive first-step quickness made him one of the most physically gifted prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Quotes

“I’m a great guy. I’m a great teammate, a great player. I’m a people person. I’ve got a good heart.”
— Addressing pre-draft criticisms about character concerns (March 2025)

“I’ll just keep showing that I’m the best edge [rusher] and the best defender in this draft.”
— On proving himself to NFL teams (March 2025)

“Probably off the field I probably grew the most, just learning from everything… Just be more consistent in being a man and the goals and dreams I’m chasing.”
— On his personal growth at Tennessee (February 2025)

“It just brought me peace, brought me a lot. What it taught me, the life lessons… It’s something God told me, a feeling I had inside. I’m like, I can’t let this go.”
— On discovering football at age 6 (February 2025)

“Revenge game… The Third Saturday in October is always fun, too, though.”
— On his favorite game at Tennessee (2023 South Carolina victory) (February 2025)

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2026, James Pearce Jr.’s estimated net worth is between $20–26 million, built through his NFL rookie contract, college NIL earnings, and endorsements.

Contract Details (2025–2028)

Total Contract Value: $16,778,874 (fully guaranteed)
Signing Bonus: $8,842,752
Average Annual Salary: $4,194,719

Earnings Breakdown

• Career Earnings (through 2025): $9.7 million
• College NIL Valuation: Peaked at $700,000–$737,000
• Endorsements: Deals with Spyre Sports Group, The Players’ Lounge, Top Tier Authentics (memorabilia), and Kane Footwear

Future Earnings Potential

Prior to his February 2026 arrest, Pearce was positioned for a massive second contract potentially worth $20–30 million annually if he continued his trajectory as an elite edge rusher. His current contract status and future earnings are now uncertain pending the outcome of his legal situation.

Interesting Facts

1. Late Bloomer in Recruiting: Pearce didn’t receive his first Power 5 offer until March 2021 and wasn’t ranked by 247Sports until August 2021, yet rose to become a five-star prospect and first-round NFL pick.
2. Quiet Commitment: Pearce signed with Tennessee in December 2021 without holding a big ceremony or making a commitment post on social media—his addition was simply confirmed by Tennessee’s official account.
3. Rare Media Presence: During his three years at Tennessee, Pearce rarely gave interviews, making him a “mystery man” despite being the team’s most recognizable defensive player.
4. Youth Football Start: Began playing organized football at age 6 with the C-Meck Raiders in Charlotte and was placed on defense from day one.
5. Draft Day Trade: The Falcons gave up significant capital (2026 first-round pick, 2025 third and seventh) to move up 20 spots to select Pearce at No. 26.
6. Immediate Impact: Became the first Falcons player with double-digit sacks in nearly a decade during his rookie season.
7. Character Concerns: Despite pre-draft questions about his character, Pearce was described by Tennessee coach Josh Heupel as having “done a really good job… developing as a man, as a person.”
8. Family Pride: His mother’s viral speech at NFL Honors about his “heart of gold” occurred just two days before his arrest, creating a stark contrast in public perception.

Did You Know?

• Pearce’s 19.5 career sacks at Tennessee tied him with darrell taylor for 10th in program history.
• He was the first Tennessee defensive lineman with back-to-back First-Team All-SEC honors since John Henderson, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
• His 52-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 2023 Citrus Bowl against Iowa was his only college interception.
• Pearce generated 113 QB pressures in three college seasons according to Pro Football Focus.
• He was the 48th first-round pick in Tennessee history and the second under coach Josh Heupel (joining Darnell Wright).
• Pearce and Rickea Jackson were both first-round draft picks—Jackson was selected No. 4 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @tenn.jamess
• Twitter/X: @JamesPearceJr10
• TikTok: Not publicly active
• Facebook: Not publicly active

Note: Social media activity has been limited following the February 2026 arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What team does James Pearce Jr. play for?
A: James Pearce Jr. was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his current status with the team is uncertain following his February 2026 arrest.

Q: How old is James Pearce Jr.?
A: James Pearce Jr. was born on October 12, 2003, making him 22 years old as of 2026.

Q: What college did James Pearce Jr. attend?
A: He attended the University of Tennessee from 2022 to 2024, where he was a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection.

Q: What is James Pearce Jr.’s net worth?
A: As of 2026, his estimated net worth is $20–26 million, primarily from his $16.78 million fully guaranteed rookie contract and college NIL earnings.

Q: Who is James Pearce Jr.’s girlfriend?
A: Pearce was previously in a relationship with WNBA star Rickea Jackson. The couple met at Tennessee but confirmed their split in September 2025. They were involved in a domestic dispute in February 2026 that led to Pearce’s arrest.

Q: What was James Pearce Jr. arrested for?
A: On February 7, 2026, Pearce was arrested in Miami and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon following a domestic dispute involving Rickea Jackson. He allegedly fled the scene and crashed his vehicle during a police pursuit.

Q: What are James Pearce Jr.’s career stats?
A: In his 2025 rookie season, he recorded 17 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks (leading all rookies), 1 forced fumble, 5 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery in 17 games.

Q: How tall is James Pearce Jr.?
A: He stands 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall.

Q: What was James Pearce Jr.’s draft position?
A: He was selected 26th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, who traded up to select him.

Conclusion

James Pearce Jr.’s story represents the complex reality of modern professional athletics—a tale of extraordinary talent, rapid success, and sudden controversy. From his humble beginnings in Charlotte’s youth football leagues to becoming a record-breaking college star and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, Pearce demonstrated the elite athletic ability and work ethic that defined his generation of edge rushers.

His 10.5 sacks in his rookie season suggested a career trajectory toward NFL stardom and massive financial rewards. However, the serious legal charges he faces following the February 2026 arrest cast a shadow over his future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressures facing young professional athletes and the importance of personal conduct alongside on-field achievement.

Whether Pearce can overcome these challenges and fulfill his immense potential remains to be seen. His story is still being written, but the duality of his success and struggles provides a compelling narrative about the modern athlete’s journey.

If you found this biography informative, please share it with fellow NFL fans and followers of James Pearce Jr.’s career.

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