Los Angeles Sparks standout Rickea Jackson and newly drafted Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce made headlines on NFL Draft night with their apparent budding romance. Pearce, 21, was selected by the Falcons as the 26th overall pick in the draft, which took place on Thursday, April 24. When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Pearce’s selection, cameras captured Jackson, 24, seated beside him at his draft party, dressed elegantly in black.
Both Jackson and Pearce attended the University of Tennessee, where they likely met and formed a connection. The social media frenzy that ensued after Jackson’s cameo at the NFL Draft prompted her to playfully address the speculation of their relationship on X. Fans couldn’t contain their excitement, with many expressing their support for the potential couple online.
Interestingly, the Falcons acquired their pick in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Had the Rams kept their pick and selected Pearce, he would have been playing in the same city as Jackson, adding a romantic twist to their professional lives. Rumors of a romance between the two have been circulating for over a year, tracing back to their college days. Pearce even shared a video of Jackson’s draft night moment when the Sparks selected her at the 2024 WNBA Draft.
In the world of sports, WNBA-NFL relationships are not uncommon. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu is married to NFL center Hroniss Grasu, emphasizing the intersection of these two professional sports worlds. Similarly, Jackson’s teammate Kelsey Plum is married to former New York Giants player Darren Waller, while Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron is in a relationship with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau, showcasing the bond between WNBA and NFL players.
Looking ahead, the Sparks will have two games against the Atlanta Dream, providing the perfect opportunity for Pearce to support Jackson on the court. The potential for a high-profile sports couple to emerge from the WNBA and NFL spheres adds an exciting dynamic to the sports world and will undoubtedly be followed closely by fans and media alike.
