Rickea Jackson is already turning heads in the big league. After an electric 2025 WNBA preseason debut with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she dropped a team-high 13 points to lead them past the Golden State Valkyries (83-82), Jackson’s name was trending for all the right reasons.
But this time, it’s not her jaw-dropping performance on the court making headlines. Instead, it’s a heartwarming, now-viral moment from her boyfriend, NFL rookie James Pearce Jr., that’s lighting up social media.
Rickea Jackson Becomes Her Boyfriend’s Idol
ESPN recently shared a video that’s making waves. In an interview with Atlanta Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney, Pearce, the Falcons’ young defensive end and former Tennessee standout, delivered what fans are calling the perfect boyfriend answer.
During the interview, McElhaney asked Pearce a classic but revealing question: “Who was your favorite athlete growing up, regardless of sport?”
Without skipping a beat, Pearce responded, “Rickea Jackson,” instantly drawing smiles from the interviewer. It wasn’t just the answer, but the sincerity in his tone that won people over. “Everything, fluid, smooth, sound, technical … yeah, I like that,” added Pearce when he was asked what he liked about his girlfriend’s game.
But that wasn’t the only memorable moment from the interview. McElhaney followed up with a fun challenge, asking who would win in a 1-on-1 basketball game between him and Jackson.
Instead of taking the bait or delivering a cliché answer, the 21-year-old skipped it by saying, “Let’s not talk about that.”
It’s clear the couple shares mutual respect for each other’s athletic talents. Both stars met at the University of Tennessee, where rumors of their relationship began swirling during their college years. They kept things under wraps for a while, but the speculation seemingly turned into confirmation during the 2025 NFL Draft, when Jackson was spotted celebrating Pearce’s selection with his family.
Jackson’s Message After Getting Viral During the NFL Draft
As mentioned previously, Jackson and Pearce had been gatekeeping their relationship, keeping things low-key despite rising public curiosity. However, everything changed during the 2025 NFL Draft when their relationship became public in a major way.
Following the viral moment, Jackson had a message for her fans. Shortly after Pearce was selected in the first round with the 26th overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, social media lit up with clips of Jackson celebrating in the draft room alongside his family.
Jackson then took to X and confirmed the rumors in the most Jackson way possible — sarcastically tweeting, “Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow.”
Last season, Jackson averaged an impressive 13.4 points per game with the Sparks, solidifying her role as a key contributor. As the 2025 WNBA season begins, the Sparks will once again rely on her scoring ability and leadership. Her first test will be a high-energy clash against the Golden State Valkyries on May 16.