Atlanta Falcons head coach has provided an update regarding James Pearce Jr. after offseason workouts started on April 7.
“Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is not with the team at the start of the voluntary offseason workout program.” Marc Raimondi wrote in an ESPN article.
Pearce is facing four criminal charges, including three felonies in regard to crashing his vehicle into one driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Jackson is Pearce’s ex-girlfriend. James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Feb. 7 due to these actions.
According to a USA Today article by Eric Larsen, court records show that Pearce faces four felony allegations in the dispute and the pursuit:
- Two counts of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
- Felony aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
- Felony fleeing and eluding police with lights and sirens activated.
- Misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence.
Kevin Stefanski’s Update on James Pearce Jr.
“Pearce, 22, has a trial hearing scheduled for May 4 in Miami-Dade County. A dating violence hearing regarding Jackson’s protective order against Pearce is scheduled for May 6.” Raimondi wrote.
The Atlanta Falcons have said little to nothing regarding incident since it happened. Kevin Stefanski said some words on Wednesday regarding Pearce’s situation.
“We’ve been in constant communication with his representation,” Stefanski said in the ESPN article.
James Pearce Jr. attended the University of Tennessee. He was selected 26th overall by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr. recorded 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. The 22-year-old was third in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Pearce’s 10.5 sacks were the most for a rookie since Micah Parsons in 2024.
It’s clear that the Falcons do not want to say much regarding Pearce’s situation. Nonetheless, many will wonder if Pearce has a future in the NFL after his actions.
James Pearce’s Arrest Details
After Pearce Jr. allegedly crashed his vehicle into WNBA player Rickea Jackson’s vehicle multiple times, Pearce also struck a police officer with the vehicle while evading arrest.
After Jackson tried to drive to Doral Police Department headquarters, Pearce purposely rear-ended the WNBA player. Pearce then blocked Jackson’s access to the police headquarters with his vehicle. As Jackson was trying to escape Pearce, he intentionally collided head-on with her vehicle, according to the report.
“According to a separate DPD report, officers arrived soon after and as an officer pulled out his gun and ordered Pearce to the ground, the athlete ignored his commands and got back in his Lamborghini. Police said the officer tried to open the door to get Pearce out twice, but he drove away and hit the officer in the knee as he fled. As he led officers on a chase, Pearce eventually crashed near Northwest 102nd Path and 65th Lane and began to run away, police said.” Local 10 News reported.
Police would then arrest Pearce on Feb. 7 on four criminal charges.
After appearing in Miami-Dade bond court, a judge ordered Pearce to stay away from Rickea Jackson. Pearce was released from jail on February 8th after posting bail.
Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski Gives James Pearce Update After Offseason Workout News