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Ricky Pearsall hugs first responders who saved his life at 49ers home opener
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Ricky Pearsall hugs first responders who saved his life at 49ers home opener

San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall shared an emotional moment with the first responders who saved his life when he met them on the field during the team’s season opener on Monday, Sept. 9.

The 23-year-old NFL rookie watched his team’s victory over the New York Jets from the sidelines of Levi’s Stadium after sharing a special moment with two officers who responded to the attempted robbery that left Pearsall with a gunshot wound.

In a video shared by ESPN, Pearsall and two of the first responders embraced and posed for photos on the field before showing off their autographed jerseys from the 49ers rookie.

The shirts also appeared to feature a handwritten message from Pearsall, who was shot by a teenager who reportedly tried to steal his Rolex during the attempted robbery.

According to ABC, San Francisco General Hospital surgeon Dr. Luck Kornblith, who treated Pearsall, and Sgt. Joelle Harrell, who was first on the scene after Pearsall was shot near Union Square in San Francisco, were among those honored by Pearsall at Monday’s game.

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 August 31, San Francisco police confirmed at the time.

Pearsall was reportedly hit in the right side of his chest during the fight and the bullet exited his back, fortunately without hitting any vital organs or nerves. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field.

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49ers general manager John Lynch said it was “nothing short of a miracle that he came out of this so well,” during a Sept. 3 press conference. Lynch said Pearsall would be sidelined for “a minimum of four weeks” during the update to reporters.

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

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall #14 of the San Francisco 49ers.

Brooke Sutton/Getty


“But first and foremost, we’re going to make sure he’s ready to go, more than ready by the time we get him back,” Lynch said of Pearsall’s status.

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

According to the Public Prosecution Service, the 17-year-old is charged with attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm and attempted robbery in the second degree.