49ers' Ricky Pearsall Seeks to Forgive Teen Who Shot Him During Robbery Attempt

The rookie wide receiver wants to meet the 17-year-old assailant to understand his actions and promote change.

Ricky Pearsall, a San Francisco 49ers rookie, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in Union Square on August 31, 2024, but made a full recovery and returned to play 50 days later.
The 17-year-old suspect, charged with attempted murder and other felonies, is awaiting a decision on whether he will be tried as an adult, which could lead to a life sentence if convicted.
Pearsall has expressed forgiveness for the teen, citing his faith and desire to lift the emotional burden from himself by understanding the context of the assailant’s actions.
The wide receiver is open to meeting the teen in the future, hoping to create a positive impact and prevent similar incidents from occurring to others.
Legal experts note that such a meeting could support restorative justice efforts, though it remains uncertain if or when it will take place.