Overview

• James Pearce Jr., former Tennessee defensive end, was selected 26th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• A viral video from the draft night showed a woman, identified by fans as Rickea Jackson, supporting Pearce during his selection.
• Rickea Jackson, a WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks, denied being in the video, tweeting, 'Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow.'
• The two athletes share a University of Tennessee connection, fueling ongoing fan speculation about a potential relationship.
• Neither Jackson nor Pearce has confirmed or clarified the nature of their relationship, leaving the rumors unresolved.