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A potential path has emerged to resolve the legal saga of Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. On Thursday, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist was granted entry into an intervention program that could allow him to avoid trial on several felony charges, his attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN.
Pearce faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, as well as misdemeanor stalking linked to a February incident in Florida. The harassment charge stems from alleged events involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
Under the terms of the intervention program, Pearce is prohibited from having physical contact with Jackson and must undergo therapy. The program is overseen by a third party, not the NFL.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Image Images)
Pearce will appear in court early next month to finalize the details. Under Florida law, Jackson and the officials involved have the right to be consulted before the deal is finalized.
A spokesman for the state’s attorney said Jackson and law enforcement officials were consulted and that “all parties consented” to pretrial intervention as “the best way forward.”
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The assistant state attorney in the case said Pearce’s status as a first-time offender was taken into consideration, adding that “it appears this incident arose from a mental health crisis.” Pearce has no history of violence.
Pearce must continue treatment, undergo random drug testing and follow the NFL’s testing protocol. Any failed or missed tests could cost him his place in the pretrial intervention program, and he will also have to write a letter apologizing to authorities, the spokesperson added.
The team declined to comment on the latest development, citing the ongoing legal matter, ESPN reported. Jackson’s attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.
Pearce is accused of crashing his luxury SUV into a vehicle driven by Jackson on February 7 in Doral, Florida. He then allegedly fled from police when they were trying to arrest him.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta on Jan. 4, 2026. (Danny Karnik/AP)
Pearce allegedly followed Jackson and repeatedly struck his vehicle as he drove toward the Doral police station. He spent a night in jail before being released the next day on $20,500 bail.
In February, Jackson told the court she was willing to testify.
The court granted the request for protection and scheduled a hearing for May 21 on a permanent injunction. The order prohibits Pearce from contacting Jackson, coming within 500 feet of his home or workplace, or within 100 feet of his vehicle.
Rickea Jackson said she is willing to testify against James Pearce Jr. following an alleged domestic dispute. (Andrew J. Clark/Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
After reaching a settlement, Pearce’s lawyers said the outcome allows him to move forward without further legal action.
“This resolution allows the matter to be fully addressed and resolved without further litigation, and he is committed to complying with all conditions. James is focused on moving forward, reuniting with his teammates and the Atlanta Falcons organization as a whole, performing at the highest level, and continuing to be a team player on and off the field,” the statement read.
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Also Thursday, an NFL spokesperson confirmed that the league has been “closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
Pearce set the Falcons’ rookie sack record with 10.5 last season. The Los Angeles Sparks traded Jackson to the Chicago Sky earlier this month.
