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 Gator in the first round. It wasn’t long before disaster 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 downtown San Francisco. according to AP.

According to the Niners, Pearsall was hospitalized and released the next day. This was the beginning of Pearsall’s miraculous recovery.

“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect, and shots from the suspect’s weapon struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said during a news conference.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound receiver was back at the San Francisco facility a day after being released from the hospital to begin his rehab and recovery process. Pearsall was observed at the 49ers’ practice just five days after the incident, although he was not actively practicing.

On October 14, just six weeks after the shooting, Pearsall went through drills for the first time. Pearsall participated fully in practice Wednesday before playing his first career NFL game against the Chiefs on Oct. 20, 50 days after he was shot in the chest. Pearsall caught three balls for 21 yards in the contest.

A week later, Pearsall helped San Francisco win over the Cowboys with a 39-yard rush in the fourth quarter, totaling 77 yards on five touches in the contest.

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

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

“Ricky did it right when he was here. I think he was a great teammate. He did things with the class. Properly prepared. “Was a very productive player and leader for us,” Napier said of Pearsall. “(He) got better every day. His work ethic was second to none. He will be a great professional. Now that he’s back in the squad, he’s obviously getting better every week. There is no doubt about that.”