Falcons' James Pearce Jr granted intervention program entry, could avoid trial on felony charges

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A potential path has emerged to resolve Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr.’s legal saga. 

On Thursday, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist was granted entry into an intervention program that could allow him to avoid trial on several felony charges, his attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN.

Pearce faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest and misdemeanor stalking from a February incident in Florida. The stalking charge stems from alleged events involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson.

Under the terms of the intervention program, Pearce is prohibited from having physical contact with Jackson and must undergo therapy. The program is overseen by a third party, not the NFL.

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)

Pearce has a court appearance early next month to finalize the details. Under Florida law, Jackson and the officers involved have the right to be consulted before the agreement is finalized.

A state attorney’s spokesperson said Jackson and law enforcement officers were consulted and that "all parties consented" to pretrial intervention as "the best way forward."

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The assistant state attorney on the case said Pearce’s status as a first-time offender was taken into consideration, adding, "It appears this incident was borne out of a mental health crisis." 

Pearce does not