Former Tennessee Vols James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson are Turning Heads

Former Tennessee Vols James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson are Turning Heads

Rickea Jackson is already making waves in the WNBA—but this week, it wasn’t a highlight reel or a box score that had fans buzzing. Instead, it was a simple, sincere answer from her boyfriend, NFL rookie James Pearce Jr., that lit up social media and reminded everyone what genuine admiration looks like.

Fresh off an impressive WNBA preseason debut with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she led the team with 13 points in an 83–82 win over the Golden State Valkyries, Jackson has been living up to the hype that followed her from Knoxville to the pros. But while her game speaks volumes, it was Pearce who stole the narrative with one heartfelt moment.

In an interview with Atlanta Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney, the former Tennessee defensive end and Falcons’ 2025 second-round pick was asked a classic, but revealing question: “Who was your favorite athlete growing up?”

Pearce didn’t hesitate.
“Rickea Jackson,” he said—no fanfare, no punchline. Just a calm, confident tribute to his girlfriend. The sincerity in his voice made it clear: this wasn’t a PR-friendly soundbite—it was real.

When asked what he liked about her game, Pearce added,
“Everything. Fluid, smooth, sound, technical.”

The clip immediately gained traction across ESPN platforms, X and Instagram, racking up views and praise from fans across the sports world. It wasn’t just the answer—it was the way Pearce said it. Quietly proud. Unapologetically supportive.

McElhaney followed up with a playful jab: “So who wins in 1-on-1?” Pearce just smiled and offered a smooth deflection:
“Let’s not talk about that.”

Sometimes, silence says more than smack talk.

It’s rare that fans get to see this kind of crossover between rising stars in the WNBA and NFL—especially when both are early in their professional careers and coming off breakout seasons at the same school. Jackson was the heart of Tennessee women’s basketball, while Pearce anchored the Vols’ pass rush as one of the top edge defenders in college football.

Now, they’re both chasing greatness at the next level—and showing that even in the high-stakes world of pro sports, there’s room for love, humility, and mutual respect.

So while Rickea Jackson continues to drop buckets and James Pearce Jr. hunts down NFL quarterbacks, one thing is clear: they’re each other’s biggest fans—and the sports world can’t get enough.

James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson, former Tennessee Volunteers, are making significant waves in their respective sports, capturing attention with their impressive performances and potential. Pearce Jr., a talented football player, has been turning heads with his exceptional skills on the field, showcasing a blend of speed, agility, and strategic thinking that sets him apart from his peers. His rise through the ranks of college football has been marked by standout performances, highlighting his dedication and natural talent. Similarly, Rickea Jackson, a dynamic basketball player, has been garnering praise for her scoring ability, versatility, and leadership on the court. Her athleticism, combined with her basketball IQ, makes her a formidable presence in the women’s college basketball landscape. Both athletes exemplify the high-caliber talent that Tennessee has cultivated and are seen as promising prospects with the potential to impact their sports at the professional level. Their journeys from college standouts to emerging stars have captured the interest of fans, scouts, and analysts alike, who are eager to see how their careers unfold. Pearce Jr.’s defensive prowess and athleticism are viewed as assets that could translate well into the NFL, while Jackson’s scoring ability and court vision position her as a future WNBA star. Their stories embody the spirit of perseverance, talent, and hard work, inspiring young athletes across the country. As they continue to develop and excel, James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson are undoubtedly athletes to watch, with their rising profiles promising exciting times ahead for Tennessee sports and beyond.