The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to take on the New York Jets in the first Monday Night Football game of the 2024 NFL regular season. When they take the field, they will do so with the contract drama of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams wrapped up and settled. Both players agreed to deals earlier, ensuring that their NFC Champion roster returns mostly intact this season.
However, they will be taking the field without their first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Unfortunately, the young rookie was shot in an attempted robbery on Saturday while he was on his way to an autograph event.
San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Ricky Pearsall Is Lucky to Be Alive
A 17-year-old boy with a handgun attempted to rob Pearsall of a Rolex watch that he was wearing. In the ensuing struggle, both the would-be robber and the 49ers rookie were shot. Pearsall was shot through the chest but was able to walk to the ambulance after police and emergency responders arrived.
Fortunately for Pearsall, the bullet did not strike any of his major organs. He was admitted to the hospital in stable condition, and his status only improved as his stay went on overnight. Pearsall was released from the hospital the following day.
His would-be robber, of course, was arrested and is facing charges of attempted murder, along with other felonies.
Since he is a minor, his name is not being released to the public. That being said, he caused a stir on social media on Wednesday when he said he was “sorry” during his initial court appearance.
The judge presiding over his case has not yet decided whether the defendant will be charged as a juvenile or an adult.
San Francisco 49ers Left Tackle Trent Williams Said the Ricky Pearsall Shooting Made Him Want to End His Holdout
In a recent article published by The Athletic, 49ers insider Matt Barrows reveals that Williams, who had been holding out for more guaranteed money on his contract, was inspired to come back to the team following the shooting.
Per Barrows, Williams took an instant liking to Pearsall from the moment they first met: “And I just instantly felt this vibe — and you just feel he’s such a genuine person. So as soon as I saw (the shooting had) happened, I just wanted to get back, just wanted to be a voice in his ear to let him know everything’s gonna be all right. I wanted to be there for the team. A lot of people were probably hurt and confused about what happened.”
Williams reported to the 49ers on Monday, two days after the shooting. Not long after, he and the team reached a new agreement on his current deal that will give him more guaranteed money going forward.
Undoubtedly, the deal would have gotten done regardless. But Williams’ return before it was a done deal is a testament to the effect that Pearsall has had on this team already despite the fact that he has yet to take a regular season snap.
San Francisco has placed him on the Non-Football Injury List, which means that he has to miss at least the first four games of the season. It is not yet known whether or not he will be able to play at all in 2024, but he has already returned to the team facility to greet his teammates and consult with team doctors.
Pearsall has a long road of recovery, but mentally and physically; but it sounds like the team is better with him just being around.
