Falcons’ James Pearce hit with 8-game suspension as NFL announces wave of bans across the league

The NFL has handed Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. an eight-game suspension, the harshest in a batch of disciplinary actions announced on Friday. Pearce, a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist in 2025, was arrested near Miami in February following a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, and now faces three felony charges. The case highlights the NFL's ongoing scrutiny of players' off-field conduct, even a standout rookie season offering no protection from league discipline.

Court documents allege Pearce crashed his car into Jackson's vehicle after she attempted to flee to a police station, then struck an officer while trying to evade arrest; he faces charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. He was formally charged in March. Three other players were also suspended the same day: Tennessee Titans' Nazeeh Johnson for six games over a performance-enhancing substances violation, Washington Commanders' Dorance Armstrong for one game under the personal conduct policy, and Buffalo Bills' Phidarian Mathis for three games for a substance abuse policy breach.