Falcons Investigating After Defensive Standout Pearce Arrested

James Pearce Jr. faces charges of aggravated battery, stalking, and fleeing police after domestic dispute incident in Miami

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons say they are gathering more information after second-year pass rusher James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Miami on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police following a reported domestic dispute. Pearce, who finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season, could face both criminal charges and a potential suspension from the NFL.

Why it matters

Pearce was a key contributor to the Falcons' defense as a rookie, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to the team's plans for the upcoming season. The NFL also takes domestic violence incidents very seriously, and Pearce's case will likely be thoroughly investigated under the league's personal conduct policy.

The details

According to police, they responded to a call of a domestic dispute involving Pearce. When they arrived, Pearce allegedly fled the scene and led officers on a chase that ended with Pearce crashing his car. He was then taken into custody and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

  • On February 8, 2026, the Falcons released a statement saying they were gathering information about the incident.
  • On February 7, 2026, Pearce was arrested in Miami on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A second-year pass rusher for the Atlanta Falcons who finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2025 after recording 10.5 sacks.

Atlanta Falcons

The NFL team that drafted Pearce in the first round in 2025 and is now investigating the incident involving him.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Atlanta Falcons (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The Falcons say they will continue gathering information about the incident, and Pearce will likely face an investigation by the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy, which could lead to a suspension.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences professional athletes can face for off-field incidents, especially those involving domestic violence. The Falcons will have to determine if Pearce remains a part of their long-term plans, while the NFL will have to decide if Pearce's actions warrant a suspension that could impact the team's upcoming season.