San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick, Ricky Pearsall, was shot during an attempted robbery this summer, and had missed the beginning of the season while recovering.
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San Francisco 49ers first round pick Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest and walked himself to the ambulance.
Absolute alpha move. Dude has insane grit. pic.twitter.com/FPg7nKkziu
— OutKick (@Outkick) September 1, 2024
According to the San Francisco Police Department, the perpetrator was trying to steal Pearsall's Rolex watch, and in doing so shots were accidentally fired.
#49ers WR Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt over a Rolex watch while on his way to an autograph signing, per the San Francisco Police Department. There was a struggle for the gun, and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot. Both are in stable… pic.twitter.com/WeTSiHBObQ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 1, 2024
After making a full recovery, and dominating in Week 17+18, Pearsall is now addressing the teenager, who has been identified as a 17-year-old gang member in the local area.
In a message of forgiveness, Pearsall told reporters:
"I don't know how he grew up, so I can't judge him," he said. "I have to forgive him to lift that weight off my chest. If I can impact him in any way, I'd be open"
POWERFUL: #49ers Ricky Pearsall wants to forgive and talk to the kid who shot him this summer.
“I don’t know how he grew up, so I can’t judge him as a man. I have to forgive him to lift that weight off my chest. If I can impact him in any way, I’d be open”pic.twitter.com/jV0uCbq7jH
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 6, 2025
Ultimately, Pearsall is a leading candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, as two months following the gunshot wound, the former Florida Gator standout receiver returned to the field.
Ricky Pearsall embraces the first responders who helped save his life ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YBpVMcZBH2
— ESPN (@espn) September 10, 2024
In 11 games this season, he had 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers rookie WR Ricky Pearsall's debut was delayed, but he made some plays to close out 2024!
He finished with 210 receiving yards and 2 TDs in the final two games of his rookie season! pic.twitter.com/S3lyID4AWt
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) January 7, 2025
To note, in Pearsall's last game vs. the Arizona Cardinals, he scored a touchdown and had a special celebration.
Ricky Pearsall with the TD in his home state! All tied up before the half 🔥
📺: #SFvsAZ on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/gdej8qTsxV— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
No way Ricky Pearsall hit a gun shot wound celebration after the TD 😅 pic.twitter.com/mXpkICeeC6
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 5, 2025
All in all, as victim in the tragic incident, Pearsall is lucky to be alive.
Nevertheless, the standout rookie has no resentment towards the kid that almost took his life.
Related: 49ers First Round Draft Pick Ricky Pearsall Was Shot In San Francisco Attempted Robbery
