Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, marking the fifth straight draft with a Gator taken in the first round. It wasn’t long after that until adversity struck, and his life was turned upside down.
On August 31st, just nine days before the Niners first game against the New York Jets, Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in Central San Francisco. according to the AP.
Pearsall was rushed to the hospital and released the next day, according to the Niners. This was the start of Pearsall’s miraculous recovery.
“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said during a news briefing.
The 6’1, 190-pound receiver was back at San Francisco’s facility one day after being released from the hospital to start his rehab and recovery process. Pearsall was observed at a 49ers practice just five days after the incident, although not actively practicing.
On October 14th, just six weeks after the shooting, Pearsall went through drills for the first time. Pearsall was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice before playing in his first career NFL game on October 20th vs the Chiefs, 50 days after being shot in the chest. Pearsall hauled in three receptions for 21 yards in the contest.
One week later, Pearsall helped seal San Francisco a victory over the Cowboys with a 39-yard rush in the 4th quarter, totaling 77 yards on five touches in the contest.
“We’re proud of Ricky,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said on Monday. “Obviously been through some challenges and adversity there. First of all, we’re glad he’s healthy. I think that paints a picture of perspective.”
In two seasons at Florida, Pearsall combined for 98 receptions, 1,626 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns while playing a role in the Gators’ rushing attack.
“Ricky did it right when he was here. I think he was a great teammate. He did things with class. Prepared the right way. Was a very productive player and leader for us,” Napier said on Pearsall. “[He] got better every day. His work ethic was second to none. He’ll be a great pro. Obviously now that he’s back in the lineup he’ll get better each week. There is no question about it.”
Incredible story. So happy Ricky was able to overcome that, to be back on the field, contributing to his club, at the NFL level……….well Incredible.