Ricky Pearsall and 49ers family meet policewoman who helped save his life

Ricky Pearsall made his N.F.L debuted on October 20, but less than three months ago he wasn’t sure he would survive a gunshot wound to the chest. ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry documented Pearsall’s comeback story with Sergeant Joelle Harell, the police officer who saved his life.

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On August 31, Pearsall’s world was turned upside down. He was only a few weeks away from making his N.F.L debuted with the 49ers when he was shot in the chest during an alleged robbery.

Pearsall was helped by Harell after she was on patrol a block away and heard two gunshots. The recipient was found with a cut on his head and a gunshot wound to his chest.

Pearsall asked Harell the question anyone in that situation would ask.

“Am I going to die?” he asked.

“It’s not your time,” Harell told Pearsall.

When news broke of Pearsall’s hospitalization, general manager John Lynch received several calls reporting that the rookie had been shot in the chest.

It was an incident that shook the football world.

The gunshot wound to Pearsall’s chest miraculously missed every internal organ. Nine days after the incident, the 49ers invited Sergeant Harell to the team’s season opener, where she was able to meet Pearsall’s parents, Rick and Erin.

“You’re an angel,” Erin said to the sergeant who saved her son’s life.

Through tears and several hugs, Pearsall’s parents thanked the sergeant for being there for their son.

Harell was honored by the organization on the field before kick-off. The event was made even more special because it was the rookie’s 24th birthday.

Pearsall and Harell shared a hug as the recipient presented his hero with his jersey.

Less than three months after the incident, Pearsall returned to the 49ers’ playing field.

“I just felt like it was scripted now that I got the chance to get back on the field,” Pearsall said after his N.F.L debut. “After that catch, my teammates said they were happy for me and proud of me. Then it all happened. Every day is not promised.”

Without Harell’s exploits, Pearsall’s debut would not have been possible. His journey back to the field is nothing short of miraculous.

Whatever the end result for the 49ers this season, Pearsall’s remarkable story will be remembered for generations.

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