Ricky Pearsall Emotionally Hugs the First Responders Who Saved His Life at 49ers' Home Opener

Mar. 15, 2025

San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Joelle Harrell, S.F. 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, and S.F. General Hospital surgeon Dr. Lucy Kornblith at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024.Photo:Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty

Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty

San Francisco 49ers rookieRicky Pearsallhad an emotional moment with the first responders who saved his life, as he met them on the field during the team’s home opener on Monday, Sept. 9.

The 23-year-old NFL newcomer watched his team’s victory over the New York Jets from the sidelines at Levi’s Stadium after he shared a special moment with two of the officers who responded to the robbery attempt that left Pearsall with a gun shot wound.

The 49ers defeated the Jets 32-19 in their first game of the new season.

Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery on the afternoon of Aug. 31, theSan Francisco Police Departmentconfirmed at the time.

Pearsall was reportedly struck on the right side of his chest during the scuffle and the bullet exited his back, luckily missing all vital organs and nerves. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field.

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General manager for the 49ers John Lynch said it was “nothing short of miraculous that he came out of this as good as he did,” during a Sept. 3press conference. Lynch said Pearsall will be sidelined for “four weeks, at least” during the update to reporters.

Lynch spoke highly of the team’s rookie, adding that the 49ers drafted Pearsall “for the long term” when they selected him in April’s draft.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall #14 of the San Francisco 49ers.Brooke Sutton/Getty

Brooke Sutton/Getty

According to theSan Francisco Chronicle, the 17-year-old assailant was also injured during the attempted robbery and both he and Pearsall were treated at San Francisco General Hospital.

The 17-year-old is being charged with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm and attempted second-degree robbery, according to the District Attorney’s office.

source: people.com