Ricky Pearsall says he genuinely did not know if he would live or die after being shot in the chest during an armed robbery last year near San Francisco's Union Square.
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The 49ers receiver opened up about the incident for the first time in an emotional sit-down with ESPN, describing a moment that instantly shifted from routine to life-threatening.
"My adrenaline was rushing. I didn't feel much pain at all, just more of a burning sensation," Pearsall said. "I'm very religious. I'm a Christian. I just didn't know if I was going to go to heaven or hell. I definitely thought about my family, not knowing if I was going to tell them I love them again."
The shooting happened on Aug. 31, 2024, shortly after Pearsall had finished an autograph signing nearby. As he opened the back of his car to load shopping bags, he noticed someone approaching.
"At first I thought it was a fan," Pearsall said. "Then I analyzed the situation and was like, 'OK, this guy doesn't look like a fan at all.' He was in all black, hoodie on, and he had his gun out immediately."
A struggle followed. The suspect shot Pearsall once in the chest and fled. The gunman, a 17-year-old, was arrested soon after. Pearsall, bleeding heavily, said he saw no help nearby until San Francisco Police Sergeant Joelle Harrell arrived on foot.
"I had a sense of relief when I saw Joelle," Pearsall said. "She patched me up. We took a moment to breathe and pray. Hearing her say I was going to be OK meant everything."
The bullet entered his chest and exited through his back. Pearsall was transported to San Francisco General Hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition. Despite the trauma, he returned to the field just 50 days later and finished his rookie year with 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The physical recovery was difficult, but Pearsall said the mental recovery has been harder.
"My arm felt dead. There was a lot of soreness," he said. "But the real battle was PTSD. Certain sounds or movements would freak me out. I would replay everything in my mind."
Now in his second season, Pearsall has appeared in six games and posted 333 yards despite missing time with a knee injury. He says he is still working every day to move forward.
"I want to live a happy life," Pearsall said. "Reality is, I'm here. I'm alive. I have a lot of good people around me. I shouldn't be holding myself back from moments I could be enjoying."
