In a harrowing incident that could have ended in tragedy, Ricky Pearsall, a rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, miraculously survived a shooting that left him with a bullet wound to the chest. The incident, which occurred during an attempted robbery, has prompted an outpouring of gratitude from Pearsall’s family, particularly his mother, who credits divine intervention for her son’s survival.

The San Francisco 49ers announced that Pearsall was shot during an armed robbery attempt. The shooting took place in the “area of Geary Street and Grant Avenue,” according to the San Francisco Police Department. During the attempted robbery, a physical altercation ensued between Pearsall and the suspect, leading to both individuals sustaining injuries. Pearsall was shot in the chest, with the bullet exiting through his back. Despite the severity of the injury, Pearsall’s condition was described as serious but stable.

In an update, the 49ers revealed that Pearsall had been released from the hospital after just one day, a testament to what many, including Pearsall’s mother, Erin, believe to be a miracle.

Erin Pearsall took to social media to express her deep gratitude to God for protecting her son during the terrifying ordeal. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she repeatedly gave thanks to the Lord for sparing her “baby boy.”

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky; God shielded him,” Erin wrote, reflecting the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude that she and her family felt.

Erin described the trajectory of the bullet, which entered Ricky’s chest and exited through his back, narrowly missing vital organs. “Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now. Life is so precious, my friends. Please love [each other]. My son was spared today by the grace of God,” she added, emphasizing the fragility and preciousness of life.

Erin concluded her message with a plea for continued prayers for her son, highlighting the ongoing emotional and spiritual support the family seeks during this difficult time.

The suspect in the shooting, identified as a minor, has been taken into custody. San Francisco’s District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins, released a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the juvenile suspect has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and attempted second-degree robbery. Given the serious nature of the charges, Jenkins stated that prosecutors would seek to keep the suspect in custody due to the public safety risk posed.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the swift action by law enforcement has provided some measure of justice and reassurance for Pearsall and his family. However, the emotional scars from such a traumatic event will likely take longer to heal.

The fact that Pearsall was able to leave the hospital just a day after being shot in the chest has been described by many as nothing short of miraculous. At a press conference, 49ers General Manager John Lynch spoke about Pearsall’s condition and the team’s gratitude for his recovery.

“By the grace of God, Ricky Pearsall is here with the team and doing really well,” Lynch said, acknowledging the profound sense of relief that everyone associated with the 49ers organization feels. “It’s nothing short of miraculous that he came out of this as good as he did. This really makes you stop and reflect on how precious life is.”

Lynch’s comments echo the sentiments of Pearsall’s family and underscore the sense of divine intervention that many believe contributed to his survival.

Pearsall’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his talent and dedication. Drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Pearsall had already made a name for himself during his college football career, playing for both the Arizona State University Sun Devils and the University of Florida Gators.

The strong faith that Pearsall’s mother displayed in her social media posts is something that Ricky himself has publicly embraced. In a post from late last year, Pearsall expressed his gratitude to God as he prepared to declare for the NFL Draft. “Thank you, Lord, for the countless blessings,” he wrote, accompanied by multiple praying hands emojis. In a longer statement, Pearsall gave thanks to his “lord and savior Jesus Christ,” highlighting the central role that his faith plays in his life.

As Pearsall begins the recovery process, he will remain on the sidelines for the start of the NFL season. The 49ers placed him on their non-football injury list, which means that he will miss at least the first four weeks of the season. While his absence on the field will be felt, the focus now is on his recovery and the profound gratitude that he and his family feel for his survival.

For now, the Pearsall family and the 49ers community continue to give thanks for what many see as a miracle—one that has spared the life of a young man with a bright future ahead of him. As they rally around Ricky Pearsall, their faith in God’s protection remains steadfast, a beacon of hope in the midst of a harrowing experience.