Ricky Pearsall embraces first responders who came to his aid after shooting
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Ricky Pearsall isn’t quite back in action yet, but he had a special moment Monday night at his team’s season-opener.
The San Francisco 49ers recognized the first responders who helped save Persall’s life as the team’s Frontline Heroes of the Game ahead of the Monday Night Football clash with the New York Jets.
Heroes ❤️
Just 9 days ago Ricky Pearsall was shot. The first responders who came to his aid were honored at tonight’s game. pic.twitter.com/urXoMWVg2n
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 10, 2024
Pearsall is beginning the 2024 season on the non-football injury list, meaning he will miss at least the first 4 games of San Francisco’s season. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network shared over the weekend that the former Florida standout could begin his rookie year as soon as Week 5.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: When will the #Patriots put Drake Maye on the field? Plans for the #49ers, plus WR Ricky Pearsall could be back Week 5; The #Cowboys and Dak Prescott remain in contact about a contract, plus CeeDee Lamb is jacked. pic.twitter.com/HTYunaDpSG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2024
Pearsall was shot in the chest on Saturday, Aug. 31, during an attempted robbery of his Rolex watch. In the hospital, Persall’s condition was upgraded from serious to fair before he was ultimately released less than 24 hours after the shooting.
“It’s kind of been amazing just being able to watch him… For him to be able to walk around and stuff with that happening. Talking to people at the ER and hearing them say out of 100 people, 2 people survive that,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said last week. “To see him the next day and just he’s able to walk, he’s coming to meetings and do all that.”
Pearsall was a first-round draft pick after 5 college seasons, including the last 2 at Florida. As a Gator, Pearsall recorded 98 catches for 1,626 yards and 9 touchdowns, adding 3 rushing touchdowns.
The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. We’ll see if Pearsall gets the green light to make his pro debut.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
