James Pearce Jr mom’s viral NFL Honors speech resurfaces days before his Miami arrest and police chase

Just two days before his shocking arrest in Miami, James Pearce Jr was standing on one of the biggest stages of his young career. The Atlanta Falcons rookie was in San Francisco for the NFL Honors, dressed sharp, smiling, and listening as his mother spoke proudly about the man she believed her son had become.

Now, NFL fans are watching that moment again for a very different reason.On Saturday night, Pearce Jr was arrested in Miami after a serious incident involving his former girlfriend, Rickea Jackson. Police say the situation escalated quickly, ending with Pearce fleeing officers, crashing his vehicle, and being taken into custody. The arrest has raised major questions about the future of a player who only days ago was being praised for his character.

According to police records reviewed by the Daily Mail, Pearce Jr was booked at 6:58 p.m.

EST on Saturday and held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. His bond had not been set as of late Saturday night.

James Pearce Jr, Rickea Jackson, and the incident that led to his arrest in Miami

Pearce Jr was in Miami because Rickea Jackson is currently playing for Breeze BC in the Unrivaled women’s 3v3 basketball league. The two previously dated and attended the University of Tennessee together.

They were also seen together publicly during the 2025 NFL Draft. Jackson later confirmed they ended their relationship in September.Police were called after a dispute between the two. Authorities say Pearce Jr left the scene and tried to get away from officers. The chase ended when his vehicle crashed. Video shared on social media later showed several officers holding him on the ground as they placed him under arrest.Pearce Jr now faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police.The timing of the arrest stunned many fans. Just days earlier, Pearce Jr had walked the red carpet at NFL Honors as a nominee for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He finished third in voting, behind Carson Schwesinger and Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori.During the ceremony, his mother, Kizzy Morris, spoke with emotion and pride.“But I’m even prouder of the man he’s became,” she said. “James has a heart of gold, deep love for family and friends and true resilience in the face of doubt. Junior, man, you have so much success ahead of you. I love you, son.”The Atlanta Falcons acknowledged the situation in a brief statement.“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” a team spokesperson said. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”Pearce Jr was selected No. 26 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after the Falcons traded up to get him. He recorded 17 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks in his rookie season. That promising start now feels uncertain as the legal process unfolds. Jackson is still scheduled to compete in the league’s one-on-one tournament on Wednesday night against Kahleah Copper.