Rickea Jackson, the Los Angeles Sparks’ dynamic forward, has been making waves in the WNBA since being drafted fourth overall in 2024, but her personal life recently stole the spotlight when she appeared alongside her boyfriend, James Pearce Jr., during the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24. The moment was electric, with ESPN cameras capturing Jackson sitting close to Pearce, rubbing his leg in excitement as the Atlanta Falcons announced him as their first-round pick at number 26.
The scene instantly went viral, surprising fans who had no idea the two were dating. Just a few months earlier, in December 2024, Jackson had shut down relationship rumors on Instagram, insisting she was single and would announce any romance publicly when the time was right. Clearly, that time came at the draft, where she and Pearce made their relationship official in the most high-profile way possible.
Inside Rickea Jackson’s Relationship with Boyfriend James Pearce Jr.: From Girlfriend to NFL Draft Moment
The couple’s connection runs back to their days at the University of Tennessee, where Jackson transferred for her final two college basketball seasons after starting at Mississippi State, and Pearce emerged as a star linebacker for the Volunteers. Though they kept their relationship private, Pearce subtly showed support for Jackson during her own draft journey. When she was selected by the Sparks in April 2024, he posted a congratulatory message on his Instagram Story, calling her a “generational talent.”
Now, just a year later, the roles reversed, with Jackson cheering him on as he took the next step in his football career. The symmetry wasn’t lost on fans, who quickly flooded social media with reactions, some joking that the Sparks should trade Jackson to the Atlanta Dream so the couple could share a city.
Pearce, at just 21 years old, is three years younger than Jackson, but his football resume is already stacked. A two-time First-Team All-SEC selection in 2023 and 2024, he was one of the most feared edge rushers in college football, leading Tennessee’s defense with 14 sacks in his final season. The Falcons were so impressed they traded up to secure him, a move that signals they see him as a cornerstone of their defense.
Meanwhile, Jackson, now 24, is entering her second WNBA season with sky-high expectations after averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 rebounds as a rookie. Her chemistry with Pearce has become one of the most talked-about cross-sport relationships, joining the likes of Sabrina Ionescu and Hroniss Grasu or A’ja Wilson and De’Aaron Fox.
What makes their relationship even more intriguing is the scheduling challenge ahead. Jackson’s WNBA season tips off on May 17, while Pearce will dive into Falcons training camp this summer. The Sparks only play in Atlanta twice during the regular season, with back-to-back games against the Dream on September 3 and 5, giving Pearce a rare chance to watch Jackson in person. Otherwise, they’ll have to navigate long-distance support, something Jackson is familiar with after previously denying rumors that she was dating Western Illinois football player Jordan Anderson in late 2024. At the time, she clarified on Instagram that they were just friends, shutting down speculation before it could gain traction.
The NFL Draft moment wasn’t just a reveal for fans; it was a full-circle celebration for the couple. Jackson, known for her playful personality, couldn’t resist trolling fans afterward, tweeting, “Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow,” as if the woman beside Pearce at the draft was just a lookalike. The tweet sent fans into a frenzy, with many calling her hilarious for playing along with the joke. It’s that kind of humor and authenticity that has made Jackson a fan favorite, both on and off the court.
Meanwhile, Pearce’s quiet confidence and explosive playing style have made him a rising name in the NFL, setting the stage for a power couple dynamic that could dominate sports headlines for years.
As Jackson prepares for the Sparks’ season opener and Pearce gears up for his first NFL training camp, their relationship adds another layer to their already compelling stories. Whether they’re supporting each other from afar or making rare appearances together, their journey is one to watch. And if their draft night reveal was any indication, they’re not afraid to let the world in on their biggest moments. For now, fans will be keeping an eye on September, when Jackson’s Sparks head to Atlanta, and Pearce might just be courtside, returning the favor after she stood by him on his big night.
