Los Angeles Sparks player Rickea Jackson made headlines during the 2025 NFL Draft, sparking interest and speculation about her relationship with NFL prospect James Pearce Jr. The draft took place in Green Bay, where the Atlanta Falcons selected Pearce with the 26th overall pick.
As the announcement was made, cameras captured Jackson sitting next to Pearce at his home in North Carolina. In the footage, she was seen smiling, embracing him, and celebrating with his family and friends. This moment has fueled ongoing rumors about a romantic connection between the two athletes, who both played at the University of Tennessee.
After the videos went viral, Jackson responded on social media, joking about having a "doppelganger." Her post gained significant attention, amassing over 1.7 million views, showing that fans were intrigued by her presence at the draft.
Jackson’s playful response received mixed reactions, with some fans appreciating her humor while others questioned the nature of her relationship with Pearce. The WNBA star has been a standout since her collegiate days, transferring from Mississippi State to Tennessee, where she excelled. She was drafted by the Sparks in 2024 and had a promising rookie season, averaging 13.4 points per game.
On the football side, the Falcons made a strategic move to acquire Pearce, who finished his college career with 7.5 sacks. The team had the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last season, highlighting their need for defensive strength. To secure Pearce, Atlanta traded significant draft capital, including second- and seventh-round picks this year and a first-round pick in 2026.
As the buzz continues around Jackson and Pearce, fans are eager to see how their stories unfold both on and off the field.