In late August, San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall suffered a shocking and frightening injury when he was shot during an attempted robbery in downtown San Francisco. Just over two months later, Pearsall has remarkably returned to the field, making his NFL debut in the 49ers’ Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The story of Pearsall’s recovery and resilience is nothing short of inspiring.
On August 31st, Pearsall was walking in the Union Square area when a 17-year-old attempted to steal his Rolex watch. A scuffle ensued, and the would-be robber shot Pearsall in the chest. Miraculously, the bullet left Pearsall’s back without hitting any vital organs.
“When he stood up, I saw his wound on his chest, and I was like, ‘Oh no,'” said Sgt. Joelle Harrell of the San Francisco Police Department, who was the first responder on the scene. “I used my strong hand to cover the wound, creating a suction effect.” And then I took my other hand to apply direct pressure to his head.”
Unbelievably, just one day after his hospital release, Pearsall reported to the 49ers’ facility, determined to make a comeback.
The rookie receiver started the season on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, meaning he had to miss the first four games of the year. But on October 19, the 49ers activated Pearsall from the NFI list, and he made his NFL debut the following week against the Chiefs.
In his first game action, Pearsall caught 3 passes for 21 yards, drawing a warm ovation from the home crowd at Levi’s Stadium when he hauled in his first career reception.
“I said, ‘Look at me. I know you don’t know me, but I need you to trust me; it’s not your time,” Sgt. Harrell recalled telling Pearsall at the scene of the shooting.
Pearsall’s return to the field is even more remarkable considering the 49ers’ depth at the wide receiver position. San Francisco used a first-round pick on Pearsall in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting him 31st overall out of the University of Florida.
At the time, many questioned the pick, given that the 49ers already had a pair of star receivers in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr. However, Pearsall’s talent and potential were simply too enticing for the 49ers to pass up.
Just as Pearsall was starting to make an impact, Aiyuk suffered a season-ending knee injury last week against the Chiefs. With Aiyuk out and Samuel battling illness, Pearsall now has the opportunity to assume a more significant role in San Francisco’s offense.
“With Aiyuk and Jennings out and Samuel likely limited due to a wrist injury and pneumonia that hospitalized him earlier in the week, Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football could be Pearsall’s coming-out party,” one analyst noted.
The 49ers have high hopes for Pearsall, who impressed scouts with his route-running ability, reliable hands, and overall toughness. At the NFL Combine, the 24-year-old wideout posted a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical jump, showcasing his impressive athleticism.
Pearsall’s journey to the NFL has been anything but smooth, but he’s proven his resilience time and time again. Just two months removed from a life-threatening gunshot wound, the rookie receiver is now poised to play a pivotal role in the 49ers’ push for the playoffs.
“The fact that he’s back on the field less than two months after being shot in the chest is a miracle,” one observer remarked. As the 49ers gear up for a crucial prime-time matchup against the Cowboys, all eyes will be on Pearsall. His inspiring story of overcoming adversity has already captivated the NFL world, and now he has the chance to make an even bigger impact on the field.