Rickea Jackson, a Los Angeles Sparks star, drew attention during the NFL Draft due to viral videos suggesting she was with James Pearce Jr., a former Tennessee football standout. As rumors of a romance between Jackson and Pearce circulated, Jackson humorously responded on social media, claiming she has a doppelganger. Her post gained significant traction, amassing over 1.7 million views. The Atlanta Falcons traded up to select Pearce with the 26th overall pick, highlighting his strong final season performance at Tennessee. The Falcons gave up considerable draft assets to secure Pearce, aiming to bolster their defense after a lackluster previous season in sacks.

Videos circulated on social media showing Rickea Jackson, a WNBA player, sitting next to James Pearce Jr. during the NFL Draft, sparking speculation about a romantic connection due to their shared history at the University of Tennessee.

Jackson's response to the viral videos was a humorous post on social media claiming she has a 'doppelganger,' which drew over 1.7 million views and mixed reactions from the public.

James Pearce Jr. was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the 26th overall pick, who traded significant draft capital to make this selection, including picks from both the current and future drafts.

The Falcons' decision to draft Pearce was driven by their need to improve their defense after having the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last season, with Pearce having concluded his college career with 7½ sacks.

Rickea Jackson's basketball career includes a standout tenure at the University of Tennessee and being a first-round draft pick for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024, where she averaged 13.4 points per game in her rookie season.

The speculation around Jackson and Pearce's relationship has been ongoing for over a year, fueled by their interactions and backgrounds at the University of Tennessee.

The NFL Draft event highlighted other notable stories, including the strategic moves by teams and the personal experiences of players like Jackson and Pearce amid their professional journeys.