James Pearce Jr. is charged with battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and fleeing from police after a domestic incident on Saturday, records show.
DORAL, Florida — NFL star linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons and former Vol James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday in Florida after a domestic dispute, according to jail records from the Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Center.
Records show Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and one count each of aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or sirens.
His bond has not yet been set, according to records.
The Falcons released a statement regarding Pearce’s arrest, according to TEGNA affiliate station WXIA 11Alive News in Atlanta.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
During his time with the Vols, Pearce recorded 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2024, following a breakout 2023 season with 10 sacks. He was known as a standout edge rusher for the Vols with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and 19.5 career sacks.
Pearce was picked in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft and was runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Pearce had 10.5 sacks during his first year — the most by a Falcons rookie since Micah Parsons in 2021.
10News has reached out to the Doral Police Department and Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Center, requesting Pearce’s arrest report.
We will update this article as we confirm more information.