The Tennessee Volunteers had something to celebrate on Thursday evening, as James Pearce Jr. was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Not only did the Falcons draft him in the first round, but they traded up to the No. 26 pick to select him. For a team that has struggled to find solid pass rushers throughout the past few years, the Falcons now have a game changer in Pearce.
Pearce had a solid year with the Volunteers, as he finished first-team All-SEC and led the team with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also played in all 13 games and started in nine of them.
Though Pearce getting drafted was the highlight, another thing that many people noticed was who was accompanying him as well. When the camera flashed to Pearce, WNBA player Rickea Jackson was spotted next to him, rubbing his leg.
Pearce put his arm around her, and many suspected that the two were dating.
ESPNW says it is https://t.co/PgySElozWX
— ⭐️MeMe 🤍}Mrs jRock{✌🏼 (@89moreno07) April 25, 2025
Jackson plays for the Los Angeles Sparks and is in her second season in the league. She’s coming off a strong rookie season as well, where she made the All-Rookie team.
Jackson tried to claim that she had a doppelgänger, but it’s obvious that it was her alongside the Falcons’ new draftee.