WNBA Star Rickea Jackson and First-Round Pick James Pearce Jr. Appear to Hard Launch Relationship at NFL Draft

Los Angeles Sparks superstar Rickea Jackson seemed to ascertain fan theories that she’s courting soccer superstar James Pearce Jr. at a NFL draft celebration.

The 24-year-old ahead used to be noticed rubbing the 21-year-old soccer participant’s leg in give a boost to as he realized he’d been decided on because the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round draft select on Thursday, April 24, in a video posted on X by way of ESPN. The pair had been amassed at a birthday celebration together with his circle of relatives in his homeland of Charlotte, N.C.

“The Los Angeles Rams have traded the 26th pick to the Atlanta Falcons,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduced that night in a video that used to be shared by way of the group on X. “With the 26th pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons select James Pearce Jr., defensive end, Tennessee.” 

As Pearce and his circle of relatives heard the life-changing information, he may also be noticed getting facet hugs and kisses at the head from the folks surrounding him. The consideration didn’t prevent him from wrapping an arm across the WNBA participant, who wore a black get dressed and silver necklace and used to be sitting by way of his facet. 

Followers on social media answered with giant emotion to the affectionate second. 

“He winning on and off the field,” wrote one X person. 

Another answered, “Look at Rickea. This why James BEEN the man lowkey lol.”

Fans had been then shocked — and perplexed — when Jackson answered to the clip along with her personal put up on X later that night time.

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“Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow,” she wrote in a put up that has been considered a couple of million occasions. 

While some enthusiasts answered with skepticism, others had been tickled by way of her funny put up. 

Jackson and Pearce, who each apply each and every different on Instagram, have stirred up romance rumors sooner than. The pair each attended the University of Tennessee, the place Jackson performed for the Lady Volunteers for 2 seasons sooner than being decided on because the No. 4 general select by way of the Sparks within the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Pearce, in the meantime, used to be additionally a celebrity at Tennessee, with 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, in line with The Athletic. He outperformed different edge rushers on the NFL Scouting Combine, working a 4.47 40 (with a 1.56 10-yard break up), the quickest among different edge rushers, in line with the opening.