Ricky Pearsall’s rise from a promising high school talent in Arizona to a first-round NFL draft pick embodies resilience, talent, and determination. Born on September 9, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pearsall’s football journey began at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, where he set an Arizona High School 6A record with an astounding 342 receiving yards in a single game. This performance, along with his 74 receptions for 1,153 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, marked him as a standout wide receiver despite being rated only a three-star recruit.
Pearsall committed to Arizona State University (ASU), where his collegiate career started modestly. As a freshman, he recorded seven receptions for 128 yards and gradually worked his way up the depth chart. The 2021 season was a breakout year for Pearsall at ASU, where he led the team with 48 receptions, 580 yards, and four touchdowns. However, seeking greater opportunities, he transferred to the University of Florida, a move that proved pivotal for his development.
At Florida, Pearsall’s impact grew significantly. Over two seasons, he amassed 98 receptions for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns, including a strong senior year with 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability and reliable hands caught the attention of NFL scouts, culminating in his selection by the San Francisco 49ers as the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pearsall’s transition to the NFL was marked by both promise and adversity. Shortly before his anticipated debut, he survived a harrowing incident when he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in San Francisco. Remarkably, Pearsall made a full recovery and returned to the field just seven weeks later, demonstrating exceptional resilience. He debuted in Week 7 of the 2024 season, recording three receptions for 21 yards. His breakout moment came in November with a four-catch, 73-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Later in the season, he set a 49ers rookie record with 141 receiving yards and a touchdown in a single game, the most since Jerry Rice in 1985.
Statistically, Pearsall finished his rookie NFL season with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing a promising start to what many expect to be a prolific career. His rookie contract reflects the 49ers’ confidence in his potential a four-year deal worth over $12.5 million, including a $6.6 million signing bonus fully guaranteed.
Off the field, Pearsall remains deeply connected to his roots. In July 2025, he hosted a free youth football camp at his alma mater, Corona del Sol High School, drawing over 300 participants. Reflecting on his journey, Pearsall said, “It’s amazing to look back at those memories and all the relationships I developed. At the end of the day, it’s about the people in your life, all the relationships you built in those times, and the guys that really matter.” His mother, Erin Pearsall, expressed pride in his desire to give back to the community that shaped him.
Ricky Pearsall’s story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of overcoming adversity and maintaining humility. His journey from an under-the-radar recruit to an NFL star is a testament to his work ethic and character. As he continues to develop with the 49ers, Pearsall’s blend of speed, hands, and toughness positions him as a rising star in the league and a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.
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