Former Florida Gators star Ricky Pearsall to make NFL debut 50 days after being shot

When former Florida Football star Ricky Pearsall was drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers, he probably had dreams of running out on the field on September 9 when the 49ers took on the New York Jets in their season opener.

Well, those plans got put on hold as on August 31, Pearsall was shot during a failed robbery attempt.

Now, 50 days after getting shot, Pearsall is finally set to make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Florida Football: I Get Knocked Down, But I Get Up Again

Much of the literature surrounding Pearsall prior to August 31 was about how he was going to fit in with San Francisco's already-established duo of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk, in particular, became a topic of conversation as a potential trade candidate after Pearsall was drafted, but he wound up working out a contract extension with the team.

When Pearsall was shot, he was placed on the PUP list but was back in the weight room just two days after his incident.

His recovery has come along to the point where he will make his formal debut this Sunday at 4:25 PM.

Pearsall transferred to Florida after three seasons with Arizona State. During his time with the Gators, Pearsall had 661 yards receiving in 2022 before breaking out for 965 yards in 2023. His iconic moment came when he made a Superman catch against UNC Charlotte, but he also made the game-winning catch against South Carolina.