FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. This award punctuates one of the best seasons for a Falcons edge rusher, rookie status or not.
Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks in his first full professional season. When doing so, he became the first rookie to produce double-digit sacks since Micah Parsons recorded 13.5 in 2021.
Not only did Pearce's 10.5 sacks lead the Falcons' team and help set a new franchise record, they are the most by a Falcons rookie since individual sacks became an official stat in 1982. Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey, who had 11.5 sacks in 1968, is recognized as the Falcons' all-time rookie sack leader. Humphrey became the first player in franchise history to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press after the 1968 season.
Pearce recorded at least one sack in six straight games from Weeks 10-15, joining the likes of Jevon Kearse, Parsons and Mike Croel as the only individuals to accomplish this feat. That streak is tied for the second-longest by any NFL rookie since 1982. Pearce had two multiple-sack games in 2025, the only rookie to do so.
As the NFL prepares for end-of-year honors in the coming month, Pearce has made a strong case for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Pearce is one of 22 rookies to have ever recorded 10.5 sacks in a single season since 1982 — 11 of those 22 individuals went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Pearce's fellow Falcons rookie — Xavier Watts — could make a case for himself as well. Together, the duo became just the second pair of rookie teammates in NFL history to have at least 10 sacks and five interceptions.
The Falcons began the 2025 season with Watts earning Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. With Pearce receiving the same honor to close out 2025, Falcons rookies bookend the season, punctuating a great year for Atlanta's young defenders.
James Pearce Jr. delivered a dominant rookie campaign in 2025, finishing with 10.5 sacks and consistently disrupting offenses with his explosiveness and relentless motor. His sack total stands as the most by a rookie since Micah Parsons in 2021, placing Pearce Jr. among elite company and signaling the rise of one of the league's premier young pass rushers.
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 looks on during warm ups before the Week 1 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 7, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 celebrates after a sack during the first half of the Week 2 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, September 14, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 celebrates after a sack during the first half of the Week 2 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, September 14, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 celebrates after a sack during the first half of the Week 2 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, September 14, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 prior to the Week 3 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 21, 2025. (Photo by Joshua Lavallee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 4 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. (Photo by Jalen Jones/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 reacts during the second quarter of the Week 4 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 28, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 4 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 make a tackle during the Week 6 Game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, October 13, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 sack the quarterback during the Week 6 Game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, October 13, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 react during the Week 6 Game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, October 13, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 7 Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, October 19, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 walks out before the Week 8 Game against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 before the Week 8 Game against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 runs out before the Week 8 Game against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 8 Game against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 prior to the Week 9 Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the national anthem prior to the Week 9 Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 recovers a fumble during the Week 9 Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker #11 and Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 celebrate during the Week 9 Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 10 Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany on Sunday, November 9, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a sack and forces a fumble during the Week 10 Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany on Sunday, November 9, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 reacts during the fourth quarter of the Week 10 Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany on Sunday, November 9, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 reacts during the Week 11 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 16, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a sack during the Week 11 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 16, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a sack during the Week 11 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 16, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 warms up before the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 23, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. on Sunday, November 23, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 reacts during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 23, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. on Sunday, November 23, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 13 Game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, November 23, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 celebrates after a sack during the Week 13 Game against the New York Jets at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 gets a sack during the Week 14 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 7, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 14 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 7, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 gets a sack during the Week 15 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 15 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 gets a sack during the Week 15 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 reacts after a sack during the Week 15 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 celebrates in the locker room during the Week 15 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 16 Game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Sunday, December 21, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during the Week 17 Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, December 29, 2025. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 and Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker #11 during the Week 17 Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, December 29, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a record breaking sack during the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a record breaking sack during the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a sack during the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a record breaking sack during the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a record breaking sack during the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 makes a record breaking sack during the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 in the locker room after the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 in the locker room after the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
