Ricky Pearsall
Richard Pearsall Jr. (born September 9, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and Florida Gators. Pearsall was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Pearsall was shot in the chest during a botched robbery attempt over his Rolex watch in San Francisco on August 31, 2024, and was released from the hospital the following day. He made his NFL debut in October.
 Pearsall at the 2024 Senior Bowl | |||||||||
| No. 1 – San Francisco 49ers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Wide receiver | ||||||||
| Roster status | Active | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | September 9, 2000 Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. | ||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||
| Listed weight | 189 lb (86 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | Corona del Sol (Tempe, Arizona) | ||||||||
| College |
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| NFL draft | 2024: 1st round, 31st overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2025 | |||||||||
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Richard Pearsall Jr. (born September 9, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and Florida Gators. Pearsall was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Pearsall was shot in the chest during a botched robbery attempt over his Rolex watch in San Francisco on August 31, 2024, and was released from the hospital the following day.[1][2] He made his NFL debut in October.
Early life
[edit]Pearsall was born on September 9, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona.[3] He grew up in nearby Chandler, Arizona, and attended Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona.[4] As a junior, he set the Arizona High School 6A receiving yard record for a single game with 342 on 14 receptions against Gilbert High School.[5] Pearsall finished the season with 74 receptions for 1,153 yards and 15 touchdowns.[6] Pearsall was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at Arizona State over offers from Air Force, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, and UC Davis.[7][8]
College career
[edit]Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State. He had seven receptions for 128 yards as a freshman.[9] Pearsall played in all four of the Sun Devils' games in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 Pac-12 season and caught six passes for 86 yards and one touchdown.[10] Pearsall had 48 receptions for 580 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns as a junior.[11] After the 2021 season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[12]
Pearsall ultimately transferred to Florida after also considering Oregon.[13][14] He suffered from a foot injury during training camp, but recovered prior to the start of the 2022 season.[15][16] Pearsall had five receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Florida State.[17] Pearsall finished the 2022 season with 33 receptions for 661 yards and five touchdowns.[18] In the 2023 season, Pearsall had 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns.[19]
| Season | Games | Receiving | Rushing | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yards | Avg | TD | Att | Yards | Avg | TD | |
| Arizona State Sun Devils | ||||||||||
| 2019 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 128 | 18.3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 86 | 14.3 | 1 | 3 | 33 | 11.0 | 1 |
| 2021 | 13 | 11 | 48 | 580 | 12.1 | 4 | 6 | 44 | 7.3 | 1 |
| Florida Gators | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 13 | 10 | 33 | 661 | 20.0 | 5 | 8 | 113 | 14.1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 12 | 12 | 65 | 965 | 14.8 | 4 | 3 | 62 | 20.7 | 2 |
| Career | 55 | 34 | 159 | 2,420 | 15.9 | 14 | 21 | 253 | 10.82 | 5 |
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | Wingspan | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
189 lb (86 kg) |
30+7⁄8 in (0.78 m) |
9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m) |
6 ft 1+3⁄8 in (1.86 m) |
4.41 s | 1.57 s | 2.53 s | 4.05 s | 6.64 s | 42.0 in (1.07 m) |
10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) |
17 reps |
| All values from NFL Combine[20][21] | ||||||||||||
The San Francisco 49ers selected Pearsall in the first round (31st overall) of the 2024 NFL draft. Pearsall was the sixth wide receiver drafted in 2024.[22]
2024 season
[edit]On June 21, 2024, the San Francisco 49ers signed Pearsall to a four-year, $12.35 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $5.93 million and is fully guaranteed at signing.[23] On September 2, Pearsall was placed on the reserve/NFI list following a gunshot wound to the chest.[24] He was activated on October 19.[25]
Pearsall made his NFL debut in week 7, and recorded three receptions for 21 yards in a 28–18 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.[26] Pearsall caught his first career touchdown, along with 4 receptions for 73 yards, on November 10, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [27] Against the Detroit Lions in week 17, Pearsall had 8 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, marking the most yards by a 49ers rookie receiver in a single game since Jerry Rice's 241 yards in 1985. [28] In the 2024 season, he had 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns.[29]
2025 season
[edit]On July 18, Pearsall was placed on the PUP list as he dealt with a hamstring injury.[30] Pearsall played in the 49ers' first four games before injuring his PCL in a 26–21 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.[31] Pearsall returned for the 49ers' week 11 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2024 | SF | 11 | 4 | 31 | 400 | 12.9 | 46T | 3 | 3 | 45 | 15.0 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | SF | 9 | 9 | 36 | 528 | 14.7 | 45 | 0 | 2 | -2 | -1.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 20 | 13 | 67 | 928 | 13.9 | 46T | 3 | 5 | 43 | 8.6 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Postseason
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | FF | FR | Yds | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | ||
| 2025 | SF | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Shooting
[edit]On August 31, 2024, a 17-year-old from Tracy, California, allegedly attempting to steal Pearsall's Rolex watch,[32] shot Pearsall through the chest.[1] The robbery occurred in the afternoon in Union Square, San Francisco.[33] He was reportedly en route to an autograph signing event.[32] There was a struggle for the gun, and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot.[32] He was transported to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment and was released the next day after his condition was upgraded from serious to fair.[2] Nine days after the shooting, Pearsall had recovered enough to appear on the sidelines of the 49ers' season opener against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium, and to warm applause from the crowd, presented signed 49ers jerseys to the police officer and trauma surgeon who had saved his life.[34]
Personal life
[edit]Pearsall's father, Ricky Pearsall Sr., is a captain within the Phoenix Fire Department and played college football at Northern Arizona.[35]
References
[edit]- ^ a b DiFeliciantonio, Chase; Vaziri, Aidin; Leonard, Christian; Toledo, Aldo (August 31, 2024). "49ers' Ricky Pearsall shot in chest during S.F. Union Square robbery". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ a b Barrows, Matt; Puleo, Mark (September 1, 2024). "49ers' Ricky Pearsall released from hospital after being shot, did not require surgery: Source". The Athletic (The New York Times). Retrieved September 14, 2024.
- ^ Brugler, Dane. "The Beast: 2024 NFL Draft Guide" (PDF). The Athletic. p. 59. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ Gardner, Michelle (October 15, 2019). "ASU's Ricky Pearsall Jr. appreciates chance to play for hometown team". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
- ^ Obert, Richard (October 14, 2017). "Corona WR Ricky Pearsall Jr. Arizona high school receiving record". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
- ^ Rabino, Hod (June 18, 2018). "Local wide receiver Ricky Pearsall commits to the Sun Devils". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
- ^ Kern, Mason (December 19, 2018). "Getting to know: Ricky Pearsall". 247Sports.com. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
- ^ Kaye, Jordan (June 18, 2018). "ASU Football: Corona Del Sol wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. commits to Arizona State". HouseOfSparky.com. SB Nation. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
- ^ "Ricky Pearsall 2019 Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Haller, Doug (October 6, 2021). "Arizona State's Ricky Pearsall is on a breakout trajectory his father set for him long ago: 'It's about time'". The Athletic. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
- ^ Thompson, Edgar (August 5, 2022). "Ricky Pearsall catches on as Florida Gators' No. 1 receiver". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
- ^ Gardner, Michelle (April 21, 2022). "Arizona State football loses 2 key players to transfer portal". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
- ^ Scarborough, Alex (May 21, 2022). "Florida Gators land commitment from Arizona State receiver Ricky Pearsall". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
- ^ Taylor, G. Allen (May 25, 2022). "Why did Ricky Pearsall pick Florida over Oregon? 'It came down to Billy Napier and his staff,' father says". The Athletic. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
- ^ Brockway, Kevin (August 11, 2022). "Florida Gators WR Ricky Pearsall in walking boot, other notes from practice". Gainesville Sun. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
- ^ Goodall, Zach (September 8, 2022). "Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Making Anthony Richardson's Job Easier". SI.com. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
- ^ "Ricky Pearsall returning to Florida: Star receiver to play senior season with Gators after mulling options". OnlyGators.com. January 14, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Rudner, Jacob (December 18, 2022). "Pearsall uncertain of future with one year of eligibility remaining". 247Sports.com. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Ricky Pearsall 2023 Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Reuter, Chad; Zierlein, Lance. "Ricky Pearsall Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout Ricky Pearsall College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ Pallares, Lindsey (April 26, 2024). "49ers Select WR at No. 31 Overall; 3 Takeaways from Day 1 of the NFL Draft". 49ers.com. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Sign WR Ricky Pearsall to a Four-Year Deal". 49ers.com. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Place Ricky Pearsall on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List and More Roster Moves". 49ers.com. September 2, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ "WR Ricky Pearsall Activated From NFI, K Wright Placed on IR and More Ahead of #KCvsSF". 49ers.com. October 19, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ Pallares, Lindsey (October 22, 2024). "WR Ricky Pearsall Completes Comeback from NFI List, Makes NFL Debut in Week 7". 49ers.com. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ Ostly, Ayrton (October 27, 2024). "Ricky Pearsall shooting timeline, draft profile: Details of 49ers WR". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ McGee, Nicholas (December 31, 2024). "'Sponge' Ricky Pearsall soaks up plaudits after 49ers rookie's breakout performance". atozsports.com. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
- ^ "Ricky Pearsall 2024 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ Alper, Josh (July 18, 2025). "Ricky Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk land on 49ers' PUP list". NBC Sports.
- ^ Tafur, Vic; Barrows, Matt (November 14, 2025). "49ers' Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall returning from injury Sunday vs. Cardinals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Dajani, Jordan (September 1, 2024). "49ers' Ricky Pearsall shot, in stable condition after robbery attempt in San Francisco". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Florio, Mike (August 31, 2024). "Report: Ricky Pearsall shot during robbery". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ Schilken, Chuck (September 10, 2024). "49ers' Ricky Pearsall honors first responders to his shooting". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
- ^ Thompson, Edgar (September 9, 2022). "In Billy Napier, Gators receiver Ricky Pearsall trusts — and vice versa". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
External links
[edit]
- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · CBS Sports · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
- San Francisco 49ers bio
- Florida Gators bio
- Arizona State Sun Devils bio