After what has felt like an eternity for many since the 2024 WNBA Finals, the women's basketball community only has to wait a few more days before WNBA training camps begin, thus marking the start of another season. Given that the NFL Draft typically takes place a few days before WNBA training camp, the iconic event always feels like a great way to gauge when women's basketball fans can expect to see their own sport's biggest stars return to the basketball court.
However, one WNBA superstar's appearance at the NFL Draft is going insanely viral on social media. Los Angeles Sparks standout Rickea Jackson's boyfriend is James Pearce Jr., an outside linebacker who also attended the University of Tennessee and who the Atlanta Falcons selected with the No. 26 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Once Pearce Jr. was selected, the camera showed Jackson sitting alongside him at the draft party, prompting a flurry of reactions online.
Jackson's relationship with Pearce Jr. wasn't necessarily a secret, but it seems that many fans were unaware of their connection until now. Videos and posts about Jackson's NFL Draft cameo quickly went viral. One X user wrote, "NOT RICKEA WITH HER MAN AT THE NFL DRAFT ❤️" while another exclaimed, "Fell to my knees when I saw Rickea Jackson sitting next to James Pearce Jr on draft night 💔💔💔." A third fan humorously reacted, asking, "I know that wasn’t Rickea Jackson???" accompanied by a GIF of rapper Lil Durk falling to the floor.
Jackson herself made light of the situation with her own viral post on April 25, 2025, writing, "Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow." With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, Jackson is surely headed back to Los Angeles in anticipation of her second WNBA season starting.
The NFL is nothing if not teeming with high-profile romances. From Josh Allen's engagement to Hailee Steinfeld to Russell Wilson's marriage to Ciara, the world of professional football is often intertwined with celebrity relationships. During the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, another partnership looked to have possibly been enshrined into that illustrious company.
Jackson, who has long been the subject of speculation regarding her dating life, was spotted mingling with fellow Tennessee alum James Pearce Jr. after the Volunteers' EDGE rusher was selected by the Falcons. ESPN cameras captured the moment when Jackson rubbed Pearce's leg as he received the call about his NFL prospects, further fueling the buzz surrounding their relationship.
Both Jackson and Pearce spent multiple seasons in Knoxville, with Jackson's two-year spell (2022-24) overlapping with Pearce's three-year tenure. Fans were left reeling at the sight of the 24-year-old Jackson embracing the 21-year-old Pearce. The reaction on social media was immediate and intense, with many expressing surprise and excitement over the apparent couple.
Jackson's playful tweet about the situation added to the frenzy, as she addressed the unexpected attention with humor. In her first year with the Sparks, Jackson made a significant impact on the court, averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, which earned her a spot on the All-Rookie first team.
As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded, fans were not only focused on the selections being made but also on the personal lives of the athletes involved. Jackson's appearance with Pearce Jr. at the draft party marked a notable moment in both their careers. The Falcons traded up to secure Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick, a move that signals their confidence in his potential to make an impact in the NFL.
Jackson's social media presence has been a significant part of her brand, and her humorous take on the draft night appearance reflects her ability to engage with fans while navigating her personal life in the public eye. The reaction from fans was a mix of excitement and heartbreak, as many realized that Jackson might be off the market.
In the past, Jackson had denied being in a relationship during a TikTok Live session, stating, "I'm telling y'all, Rickea is single. Listen to me, why would I lie? If I'm in a relationship, y'all would know. I'mma tell y'all. That's one thing about me. When I got a man, I would be like, 'That's my man.' When I don't have a man, I'm gonna say, 'I don't have a man.'" Six months later, the secret seems to have been revealed, though Jackson remains coy about confirming the relationship.
As Jackson prepares for the upcoming WNBA season, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on her, both for her performance on the court and her personal life off it. The Sparks will be looking to build on last season's successes, and with Jackson's talent and potential, fans are eager to see what she will bring to the team this year.
The intersection of sports and celebrity continues to captivate fans, and the budding romance between Jackson and Pearce Jr. is just another example of how athletes' lives extend beyond the field and court. As both prepare to embark on new chapters in their careers, fans will be watching closely to see how their relationship evolves amidst the pressures of professional sports.
In the end, while the NFL Draft may have been a platform for Pearce Jr.'s career launch, it also served as a significant moment for Jackson, who is poised to make her mark in the WNBA once again. As the season approaches, the basketball community is buzzing with anticipation for what lies ahead for this dynamic duo.
