Overview

• James Pearce Jr., a standout defensive end from Tennessee, was selected 26th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• A video posted by ESPN showed a woman sitting beside Pearce during his draft celebration, sparking widespread speculation about a relationship with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
• Jackson, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks and also attended Tennessee, took to social media to dismiss the rumors, jokingly claiming the woman in the video was her 'doppelganger.'
• Fans on social media were divided, with some convinced the woman was Jackson and others questioning the identification, further fueling the frenzy.
• Neither Jackson nor Pearce has publicly confirmed any relationship, and Jackson has previously stated she would openly share such news if it were true.