San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made a miraculous recovery after being shot in the chest during an attempted robbery back in August. But despite the seriousness of the crime, Pearsall delivered a gracious message to the teenager who shot him.
In fact, Pearsall offered his forgiveness.
Speaking to reporters on Monday as the 49ers cleaned out their lockers, Pearsall was asked about the 17-year-old who was charged with attempted murder and other felonies. Pearsall said that he hadn’t been too involved with the legal process with the season ongoing, but he expects that to change now that the 49ers are in their offseason.
He also said that he would like to speak to the teenager one day and make a positive impact on his life.
Ricky Pearsall goes in-depth about being shot, and would like to forgive and talk to the kid who shot him during an attempted robbery.
"I don't how 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 as it was, god forbid… pic.twitter.com/1ycoUYha88
— KNBR (@KNBR) January 6, 2025
Pearsall was able to make a full recovery, making his NFL debut just seven weeks after being shot.
NFL fans loved that he voiced a message of forgiveness when he really didn’t have to. The character is undeniable.
This was how Twitter/X reacted
Quality person and quality response by the former ASU WR https://t.co/wGFaiPkuJr
— DevilsDigest.com (@DevilsDigest) January 7, 2025
Wow!! Wise beyond his years!! https://t.co/G9cxcPFzaX
— Kyle Dodd (KD) (@K_Dodd3) January 7, 2025
A lovely approach from Ricky Pearsall https://t.co/e08KKHCXaS
— Will Gavin (@WillGav) January 7, 2025
I mean really listen to this quote. This is a special kid. https://t.co/Yc4wsI4PrD
— Evan Sowards (@EvanSowards) January 6, 2025
Take a special person to think this way, respect to you Ricky ! https://t.co/lezlIEjsxb
— . (@kinglbj2349) January 6, 2025
We don't deserve this man. https://t.co/bx0NIYaGHM
— Zachary Grier (@zgrier24) January 6, 2025
Ricky Pearsall is an impressive dude. https://t.co/MMaSpShElY
— Marc Adams (@49ersCamelot) January 7, 2025
