Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, marking the fifth consecutive draft with a first-round Gator. It wasn’t long after that misfortune struck and his life was turned upside down.

On August 31, just nine days before the Niners’ first game against the New York Jets, Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in Central San Francisco. according to the AP.

Pearsall was rushed to the hospital and released the next day, according to the Niners. This was the beginning of Pearsall’s miraculous recovery.

“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect and gunfire from the suspect’s handgun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said at a news briefing.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound receiver was back at the San Francisco facility a day after being released from the hospital to begin his rehabilitation and recovery process. Pearsall was observed at a 49ers practice just five days after the incident, although he was not actively practicing.

On October 14, just six weeks after the shooting, Pearsall underwent exercises for the first time. Pearsall was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice before playing in his first NFL game against the Chiefs on Oct. 20, 50 days after being shot in the chest. Pearsall had three receptions for 21 yards in the game.

A week later, Pearsall helped San Francisco seal a victory over the Cowboys with a rush of 39 yards in the 4th quarter, totaling 77 yards on five touches in the game.

“We are proud of Ricky,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said Monday. “Obviously I’ve had some challenges and setbacks there. First of all, we are happy that he is healthy. I think this paints a picture of perspective.”

In two seasons at Florida, Pearsall put up 98 receptions, 1,626 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while playing a role in the Gators’ rushing attack.

“Ricky did well when he was here. I think he was a great teammate. He did things with class. Prepared properly. Was a very productive player and leader for us,” Napier said on Pearsall. “(He) got better every day. His work ethic was second to none. He will be a great professional. It’s clear that now that he’s back in the lineup, he’ll get better every week. There is no doubt about it.”