James Pearce Jr has the potential to be the next elite edge rusher in the NFL. That's why the Atlanta Falcons drafted him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
He's a proud VFL and he's making it clear that he's all Vol despite now living in Georgia. Pearce spoke with media members out of Atlanta about living and Georgia and made sure there were no questions about his allegiance.
"I’m a down south kid, being here in Georgia, I didn’t like the Georgia Bulldogs that much, but other than that ... I get to play for 'The A'," Pearce shared to the Falcons media.
“I’m a down south kid, being here in Georgia, I didn’t like the Georgia Bulldogs that much…” - Former Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce 😂 pic.twitter.com/PEqGYuy5b4
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) August 13, 2025
Pearce is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Rocky Top isn't too far from his home so this is new territory for the NFL rookie.
Pearce has been back in Tennessee recently as the Falcons have spent some time with the Tennessee Titans in joint practice ahead of their preseason matchup on Friday night.
Pearce made his preseason debut with the Falcons as he prepares for his rookie season. He was in for 18 plays in the preseason opener but didn't record a tackle.
Pearce finished his career at Tennessee with 71 career tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks with one interception.
This is just the first step in what could be a very successful NFL career for Pearce if he can continue to be developed by the Falcons coaching staff.
The Falcons and Titans are scheduled to play in Pearce’s return to the Volunteer State at 7:00 PM ET on Friday night on the NFL Network.