The internet was abuzz with rumors after Rickea Jackson was spotted with James Pearce Jr. at the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce, who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the No. 26 pick, celebrated with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina, where fans noticed Jackson by his side. The speculation about their relationship prompted Jackson to address the rumors on social media.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Jackson humorously denied the dating speculation by stating, “Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow.” Despite her casual response, reports from the New York Post suggested that this public appearance might have confirmed their relationship. Both Jackson and Pearce are alumni of the University of Tennessee and follow each other on Instagram.
Jackson, a standout WNBA player who transferred from Mississippi State to Tennessee in 2022, was drafted fourth overall by the LA Sparks last year. She made an immediate impact in her rookie season, averaging 13.4 points per game and earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. In the offseason, she signed to play for Unrivaled and was drafted by Mist BC, although the team narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
On the other hand, Pearce spent three seasons at Tennessee before entering the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the top edge rusher prospects. Ranked third in his position behind Abdul Carter and Mike Carter, Pearce’s selection by the Falcons marked a significant milestone in his football career.
In a lighter moment, Jackson shared her apprehension about facing Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick of the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Known for her height and athleticism, Malonga’s dunking prowess has Jackson hoping she won’t be the first WNBA player to get dunked on. With four games scheduled between the Sparks and Storm next season, Jackson has her work cut out for her to avoid being posterized by the rookie sensation.
As the NBA and WNBA seasons unfold, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Jackson and Pearce’s careers progress both on and off the court. Stay tuned for more updates on their relationship and professional endeavors.
This article was written by Juan Paolo David, a seasoned journalist covering the NBA and WNBA for Sportskeeda. With a passion for basketball and a meticulous approach to research, Juan delivers accurate and engaging content for readers. Follow along for more exciting sports news and updates.
