WNBA star Rickea Jackson supports James Pearce Jr. as Falcons trade up to pick him in 2025 NFL Draft
Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson and former Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. appeared to make their relationship public during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Jackson and Pearce were together when the Falcons traded up to select Pearce in the first round with the No. 26 overall pick, and ESPN cameras captured the moment virtually as they celebrated at a draft party in Charlotte, N.C.
3 Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson and James Pearce Jr. at a party in Charlotte, N.C. when the Falcons traded up to select him in the first round with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24.
X/ESPN
Jackson, 24, was sitting alongside Pearce, 21, and rubbing his leg as he learned of his NFL dreams becoming reality after three seasons at Tennessee.
The Sparks star also attended the school from 2022-24, playing two seasons for the Lady Volunteers.
There was speculation on social media that Jackson and Pearce were dating, but the athletes have yet to address the matter publicly — until now.
Many fans said they were shocked while reacting to the news on X.
'Is that Rickea??' one fan wrote.
'Fell to my knees when I saw Rickea Jackson sitting next to James Pearce Jr on draft night,' another added.
3 Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
AP
Others said they couldn't wait to see Jackson on the sidelines in Atlanta.
As a junior, Pearce recorded 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks for Tennessee.
He was named First-Team All SEC in 2023 and 2024.
Jackson played for the Lady Vols after three seasons at Mississippi State.
3 Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball during the game on September 17, 2024.
NBAE via Getty Images
She earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors this past season, and will begin her sophomore campaign when the Sparks open the 2025 WNBA season against the Golden State Valkyries — the league's newest expansion team — on May 17.
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