Falcons Trade Up to Draft James Pearce Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons made a big move in the 2025 NFL Draft by trading up in the first round to pick James Pearce Jr., a defensive end from Tennessee. Pearce is known for his speed and ability to pressure the quarterback — basically, one of the best pass rushers this year. The Falcons have struggled on defense for a while, so this feels like a bold step toward fixing that by adding a young, athletic player who can really make a difference on the line.
Rickea Jackson Shows Support for Fellow Volunteer
Right after the Falcons picked Pearce, Rickea Jackson, who’s a WNBA player and also went to Tennessee, jumped on social media to show her excitement. She’s been a big name in basketball and clearly proud of another Volunteer doing well. Her message was full of pride for Pearce and the school they both represent, which got a lot of fans and athletes talking. It’s cool to see this kind of cross-sport support — like the Tennessee community really sticking together no matter the game.
Why This Moment Matters
Both Jackson and Pearce worked hard to stand out at Tennessee. Jackson’s just starting her pro basketball career and has been vocal about backing other athletes from her college. Her shoutout to Pearce shows how tight-knit the Volunteer family is. The Falcons fans loved seeing a respected pro athlete like Rickea backing their new draft pick — it gives the whole thing a nice feel of unity and pride for Tennessee sports.
What James Pearce Jr. Brings to Atlanta
Pearce isn’t just a good player on paper — he’s got real talent and experience from playing in the tough SEC. He had double-digit sacks in college last season and is known for being explosive on defense. Adding him to the Falcons could really help change their defense for the better, especially when paired with some veteran players and other young talent. Atlanta looks like they’re gearing up to be more competitive in their division with Pearce on board.
The Bigger Picture: Pride and Support
Rickea Jackson’s support for James Pearce Jr. goes beyond just being nice. It’s a reminder that college sports create strong bonds that last. As Pearce gets ready for his NFL career and Jackson keeps climbing in the WNBA, both are examples of how Tennessee keeps producing stars. Their success and the way they back each other up send a message to young athletes everywhere — the Volunteer spirit is alive and well, no matter what sport you play.
