49ers rookie WR Ricky Pearsall hauls in first career TD catch vs. Buccaneers

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has had an emotional journey in the NFL, overcoming being shot ahead of his rookie season. Now, he has his first-ever touchdown catch.

The touchdown came in the first quarter of San Francisco’s game against Tampa Bay. There, from just over midfield, quarterback Brock Purdy found him downfield for a strike before he was able to run in for the score.

You can watch Pearsall catch his first career touchdown pass, here:

71 days after being shot through the chest during a robbery attempt, Ricky Pearsall has his first NFL touchdown. pic.twitter.com/9ezybsupm5

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 10, 2024

The touchdown catch was reviewed to see if he stepped out of bounds before scoring. However, the play stood as called.

At the end of August, Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. He had been on his way to go to an autograph signing. He was then transported to the San Francisco General Hospital where he was treated for his wounds and nine days later he would be healthy enough to return to the sideline.

In that first game back on the sidelines against the New York Jets, Ricky Pearsall shared a moment with the first responders who worked to save his life. Sergeant Joelle Harrell and Dr. Lucy Kornblith were welcomed on the field for the game where they took photos with Pearsall and were given autographed jerseys.

The goal was never to rush Pearsall back in his recovery from the gunshot wound. However, he did make an incredible recovery and was able to actually play until Week 7. There, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had three receptions for 21 yards. Going into the game against Tampa Bay, he had seven receptions for 59 yards or 8.4 yards per reception as he continues to adjust to being back in football games.

The game in Tampa was a sort of homecoming for Ricky Pearsall who finished his college career with the Florida Gators where he was a standout wide receiver for two seasons. Prior to that, he played for Arizona State.

The San Francisco 49ers selected Ricky Pearsall with their first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That was the 31st selection overall. In June, he went on to sign a four-year rookie contract with the team.