Falcons' James Pearce Jr. has path to dropped charges

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd April, 12:47 2026

Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. will have all charges dismissed if he completes an intervention program that includes therapy sessions and staying out of trouble for six months.

Attorney Yale Sanford told ESPN on Thursday that his client also agreed to stay away from ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson of the WNBA's Chicago Sky.

Pearce, 22, still is facing a potential league suspension after being arrested on Feb. 7 in Doral, Fla., on multiple criminal charges including felony counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest and a misdemeanor stalking charge.

Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into a car driven by Jackson, his ex-girlfriend. Jackson also has accused Pearce of abuse on multiple other occasions and was granted a temporary protective order following his arrest.

A trial date had been set for May 4. Pearce is scheduled to appear in Miami-Dade County Court on May 7 to finalize the details of the resolution.

The Falcons declined to issue a comment to ESPN on Thursday.

Pearce was selected by the Falcons in the first round (26th overall) of the 2025 draft. He finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after recording 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five passes defensed and 26 tackles in 17 games (three starts).

--Field Level Media

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