Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr has been formally charged with multiple felonies following the February incident involving former girlfriend Rickea Jackson, marking a significant escalation in a case previously reported by Gridiron.

According to new details, prosecutors have filed three felony charges against Pearce, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. The charges represent a shift from the earlier stage of the case, which centred on police reports and WNBA star Jackson’s willingness to co-operate with authorities.

The charges stem from an alleged confrontation on February 7th in Doral, Florida, where Pearce is accused of following Jackson and repeatedly ramming her vehicle as she attempted to reach a police station. Authorities allege the situation escalated further when Pearce fled responding officers, with his vehicle reportedly striking a police officer before he was apprehended following a crash and subsequent foot pursuit.

Jackson has since been granted a protective order, with further court proceedings expected to determine whether a longer-term injunction will be implemented.

The filing of formal charges represents the most significant development to date, moving the situation from allegation to active prosecution. In a notable adjustment to earlier reports, however, one previously cited charge — aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer — has been dropped, while prosecutors have refined the case around the current set of felony counts.

A first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft that Atlanta traded up to acquire, Pearce has denied wrongdoing, and his legal representatives have urged restraint as the legal process unfolds.

While the Falcons refuse to drawn into comment on an active legal investigation, the NFL says it is continuing to monitor developments under its personal conduct policy. As the case progresses through the legal system, Pearce could face both criminal penalties and potential league discipline, with the timeline and outcome likely to have significant implications for both player and franchise heading into the 2026 NFL season.