‘Humble’ Ricky Pearsall ready to forgive kid who tried to kill him

49ers' rookie Ricky Pearsall shared how he managed to not let the trauma of getting shot during the attempted robbery make him fear life. 

‘Humble’ Ricky Pearsall ready to forgive kid who tried to kill him

Ricky Pearsall (Via 101 ESPN)

Ricky Pearsall’s NFL journey began with a horrifying, life-altering incident after he was shot in an attempted robbery in broad daylight. Rather than dwelling on the trauma, the wide receiver has chosen to view it from a different perspective, which profoundly changed his outlook on life. 

The rookie, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, finally broke his silence on the traumatic incident that made him miss the first six games with the team. During his appearance on Cleats & Convos with Deebo Samuel, Pearsall was asked how he managed to not let the trauma of that incident make him fear life. 

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As far as living my life with fear, I never want to live that way. You know what I mean. I know God got me and I felt his presence during those moments. So you know… I know that he’s got bigger plans for me. So when I still walk around, I get those moments where I am feeling that way and I just know that God got me and I just try to live without fear.

Ricky Pearsall said

The incident occurred last year in August when the 49ers rookie was approached by a 17-year-old boy, who was armed, while he was shopping in San Francisco’s Union Square. He was aiming for Pearsall’s Rolex, but after he couldn’t, he fired bullets out of desperation that not only hurt himself but also Pearsall. 

He was then taken to a hospital but fortunately, none of his vital organs were harmed in any manner which induced his return quicker than anticipated. 

NFL rookie Ricky Pearsall seeks to forgive teen who shot him

Speaking of a changed perspective in life, Pearsall also shared that he has forgiven the teenage boy who fired at him in broad daylight. And since the regular season is over now, he also wants to meet him and understand the motive behind his actions.

Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery by a 17-year-old boy in August 2024
Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery by a 17-year-old boy in August 2024 (Via CBS News)

I don’t know how he grew up, so I can’t judge him as a man just based off one action that he made, as violent as a crime it was. God forbid him doing that to someone else. I don’t ever want that to happen. But for me, just being able to forgive him. I have to be able to forgive him to have that weight off my chest.

Pearsall said to the media on Monday

Interestingly, the NFL young wideout not only wishes to connect with the kid but also aims to make a significant impact on his mind to help him in any manner, especially after the young boy was said to be “remorseful” about his act.