James Pearce Jr. was released from custody Sunday after posting a $20,500 bond, following an arrest tied to an alleged domestic dispute involving Rickea Jackson.
The Atlanta Falcons rookie had been taken into custody Saturday in Miami-Dade County and faced multiple felony charges.
According to jail records and police documents, Pearce was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count of aggravated stalking. He also faced felony charges for fleeing or eluding police and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, along with a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence.
The arrest came just days after Pearce attended the 2026 NFL Honors, where he finished third in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting following a standout season. The timing added to the shock surrounding the case.
Jackson told police she and Pearce had recently ended their three-year relationship and alleged he followed her while driving on Saturday morning. Authorities said officers attempted to detain Pearce at the scene, but he drove away before being apprehended.
Pearce’s legal team said in a statement that he “maintains his innocence” and urged the public to reserve judgment. “While allegations can shape a narrative, they are not the full story,” his attorneys said.
The Atlanta Falcons acknowledged the situation and said they were gathering information, declining further comment while the case remained active.
