San Francisco 49ers wideout Ricky Pearsall has opened up about the psychological battle he still fights daily after getting shot in the chest during an attempted armed robbery last August.
Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the San Francisco 49ers helmets against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the San Francisco 49ers helmets against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
While his physical recovery was remarkably impressive, he is still going through that terrific mental trauma. The worst part? It shows up when he’s out in public, causing him to stay more alert than before.
49ers Star Ricky Pearsall Opens Up About Struggle With PTSD After Being Shot
On August 31, Pearsall was walking near Union Square when a 17-year-old suspect pulled a gun on him. Shortly after, a struggle followed, and Pearsall got shot in the chest. The bullet reportedly went through his chest and exited his back, but didn’t hit his vital organs.
He rushed to the hospital immediately and was released the very next day in serious but stable condition. His physical injuries healed quickly, and fifty days later, fans saw him putting on his pads to return to the gridiron.
The incident took place last year, but he is still dealing with PTSD and anxiety from the incident.
“I wouldn’t say physically I feel the effects,” Pearsall revealed in an exclusive interview with Mirror U.S. Sports. “I think more it’s mental stuff, with PTSD.”
The rookie first-rounder hasn’t been able to shake what happened that day. Even mundane moments out in public trigger his anxiety.
“There were little kids playing, and they ran by me… it spooked me. I started running. I was like, oh my gosh, my heart was just dropping.”
EXCLUSIVE: 49ers star Ricky Pearsall spoke to @sahil_kurup about the lingering PTSD from being shot in the chest last year… pic.twitter.com/tE9NqGPyZ0
— Mirror US Sports (@MirrorUSSports) November 25, 2025
“I definitely have my days where certain things that happen when I’m out and about maybe rattle me a little bit,” he admitted. “I just look around differently, live my life a little bit differently, I would definitely say.”
This is a ground reality check for pro athletes. The psychological toll has been harder to overcome despite routine body training than the physical wound that nearly ended his life.
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Yet sported a jersey to play 11 games last season. He received 31 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers tell only a quarter of the story.
Pearsall’s Details His Daily Battle With Trauma
The early days after the shooting were the most difficult ones. According to him, even a simple sound triggered panic that Pearsall couldn’t control.
“In the beginning, there were definitely a few times where I would yell at some people because they were walking behind me,” he recalled. He wasn’t aware anyone was there until he heard footsteps. “I just kind of turned around and tweaked out, and I was like, ‘I’m so sorry.'”
Even harmless situations spooked him. Pearsall described walking when kids ran past him while playing. The sudden movement sent his heart racing. “It spooked me,” he said. “I started running. I was like, oh my gosh, my heart was just dropping.”
With him, the 49ers organization also went through that brutal stretch. Thankfully, they came up with enough health resources and support systems to make things improve for Pearsall.
“This organization does a really good job of putting people in my corner and helping me get through those tough times,” Pearsall said. The team surrounded him with counselors, therapists, and staff who understood trauma recovery. “I think there’s still a little lingering stuff, but for the most part, I feel like I’m better.”
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Pearsall looks healthy in uniform but a bit better than last year. In just six games, he completed 333 receiving yards in 23 receptions. Seems like he’s learning to manage the trauma one day at a time.