Overview

• James Pearce Jr., a standout edge rusher from Tennessee, was drafted 26th overall by the Atlanta Falcons after a trade-up in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• A video posted by I Talk Hoops showed Pearce celebrating his selection with a woman, leading to widespread speculation that she was WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
• Rickea Jackson clarified the misunderstanding on Twitter, stating the woman in the video was a doppelganger, not her, effectively ending the rumors.
• Social media users had initially reacted strongly to the video, believing Jackson and Pearce were publicly revealing a relationship.
• Both athletes have achieved significant milestones in their respective sports, with Jackson earning WNBA All-Rookie honors and Pearce being a two-time All-SEC selection.