James Pearce Jr. shows love to girlfriend Rickea Jackson at LA Sparks star's high school jersey retirement

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. showed support for girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson. Earlier this week, Jackson was honored at her high school Detroit Edison Public School Academy when they retired her No. 5 jersey. The academy celebrated Jackson for being the 'most accomplished' athlete in the history of the program.

Pearce made the trip to Detroit to support Jackson at her jersey retirement ceremony. The Atlanta Falcons' account on X, reshared the photos of Pearce Jr. in attendance at the ceremony. He made the mid-week trip from Atlanta to Detroit for the special occasion.

Rickea Jackson was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks with the fourth overall draft pick in the 2024 draft. James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson met while both played for the Tennessee Volunteers.

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Jackson is currently playing in the 2025 Unrivaled League, an offseason playing opportunity for WNBA players that was created by fellow basketball players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.

James Pearce Jr. called girlfriend Rickea Jackson his favorite athlete

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. has had a solid rookie season. He has played in 15 games, starting in three. He has 14 tackles, eight assisted, 22 combined, five deflected passes and 8.5 sacks. Proving to be a top candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the season.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted the linebacker with the 26th overall draft selection in 2025 after the team traded with the Los Angeles Rams to secure the pick. After the draft, Pearce Jr. did a Q&A with the team and was asked to name his favorite athlete. He named girlfriend Rickea Jackson and they shared his reasoning.

"Rickea Jackson. Her game is fluid, smooth, sound and technical," Pearce Jr. said via the Falcons.

Jackson showed her support for Pearce Jr. during the NFL Draft. When he was selected, the ESPN cameras panned to his draft party at home and the WNBA star sat next to him as he heard his NFL dream realized.

Edited by Bethany Cohen