Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Facing Felony Charges After Alleged Hit-and-Run Incident in Florida
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., one of the breakout defensive stars of the 2025 NFL season, is now at the center of a serious legal situation following an incident in Florida that has resulted in multiple felony charges.
According to a police report from Doral County, Pearce allegedly struck a vehicle driven by WNBA forward Rickea Jackson before fleeing the scene and hitting a police officer in the process. The report outlines a chaotic sequence that began with an alleged domestic dispute and ended with Pearce being taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
Pearce, 22, was arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center near downtown Miami. He faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and one count of fleeing or eluding police with lights and sirens activated.
The Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign. He racked up 10.5 sacks, 26 total tackles, a forced fumble, and five passes defended - numbers that earned him a spot as a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. His speed off the edge and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks quickly made him a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defensive unit.
But now, his future on the field is uncertain.
The incident reportedly began when Doral police responded to a domestic dispute involving Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks. Both athletes share a connection beyond the pros - they played their college ball at the University of Tennessee. Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is coming off a strong rookie season, averaging 14.7 points per game in 38 appearances, including 37 starts.
Per the arrest report, Pearce was behind the wheel of a Lamborghini when officers attempted to stop him. Police say he ignored repeated commands to exit the vehicle and instead accelerated, striking an officer in the left knee in what they described as an intentional act to evade arrest.
From there, Pearce allegedly crashed the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers say he resisted arrest before eventually being subdued after a brief struggle.
Pearce was released from jail Sunday after posting a $20,500 bond. His legal team issued a statement Monday morning, asserting his innocence and calling for patience as the investigation unfolds.
“We look forward to working with the state attorney’s office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” said attorneys Jacob Nunez and Joshua Cohen. “Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that is hardly the full, complete story.”
They added that Pearce remains committed to his team and the community.
The Atlanta Falcons released a brief statement acknowledging the situation: “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.”
For a player who seemed poised to become a foundational piece of Atlanta’s defense, this development casts a long shadow over what had been a promising start to his NFL career. As the legal process plays out, the team - and the league - will be watching closely.