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James Pearce Jr., a rising star for the Atlanta Falcons who nearly won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was arrested Saturday near Miami after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with his WNBA girlfriend.
Pearce was incarcerated at Turner Guilford Correctional Center after Doral police were called to investigate a reported domestic dispute between a man and woman.
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Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after the New Orleans Saints game Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, file)
The 22-year-old man faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon as well as aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren.
The Falcons said they were aware of the arrest.
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Atlanta Falcons forward James Pearce Jr. reacts after a defensive stop against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 16, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
Atlanta selected Pearce with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.
He played in 17 games for the Falcons during his rookie season. He recorded 10.5 sacks and 26 total tackles.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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Pearce finished third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year rankings, behind winner Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori.
