Fred Warner has shared his thoughts on how the team has responded to Ricky Pearsall’s shocking shooting last week.
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is expected to be sidelined for at least the first month of the season after being shot in the chest while out shopping. However, Warner views the aftermath of the incident as a testament to the strong bond within the team.
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One week after the incident, Pearsall has been FaceTiming teammates, walking around the practice field, and expressing his eagerness to play again.
Though he won’t be eligible just yet, Warner spoke to talkSPORT’s new End Zone YouTube channel about how the team has been coping with the unsettling events.
« We’re a close-knit group, as it has always been here, » Warner shared with talkSPORT. « Since I became a 49er, there’s been a great culture built on brotherhood. »
« When you see a brother go through something like this, it definitely brings the group closer, » he continued. « We’re just going to keep moving forward with a positive mindset, and I know Ricky will return stronger than ever. »
Pearsall, who was drafted in the first round this past April, was shot near San Francisco’s Union Square, leading to the arrest of a 17-year-old charged with attempted murder and robbery.
He will miss the 49ers’ season opener against the New York Jets during Monday Night Football.
Pearsall has been placed on the Non Football Related Injury/Illness list (NFI), meaning he will be out for at least the first four weeks of the season.
Nevertheless, just five days post-incident, he was seen walking on the practice field, with both head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch confirming that he will return to play this season.
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Pearsall’s mother, Erin, shared details of the incident after her son was hospitalized, saying, « I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky; GOD shielded him. He has a gunshot wound to the chest that exited out of his back. Fortunately, it missed his vital organs, and he’s in good spirits right now. »
She continued, « Life is precious, my friends. Please cherish one another. My son was saved today by the grace of GOD. Please keep him in your prayers. »
By Monday, Pearsall was back in team meetings and interacting with his teammates at the facility.
Despite the gravity of such an incident occurring right before the season, Warner detailed how the team has come together to support their rookie receiver.
« It was a tragic moment, but I’m thankful for the outcome—Ricky is safe and back with us, » he said. « That was a really scary moment, but we were all there for him. The team united in that moment, and it’s great to have him back. »
Warner praised Pearsall’s strength and mental resilience during this challenging time, noting that even while recovering, Pearsall focused on supporting the team.
The team even arranged a virtual meeting during their season kickoff party, allowing Pearsall to connect with teammates via a large screen.
While it remains uncertain when he will fully resume training due to ongoing procedures, Shanahan expressed optimism that Pearsall could ramp up activities in the coming week.
“We always saw his potential on the field, but seeing how he managed this situation speaks volumes about his character,” Shanahan added.
For the latest on the NFL, tune into talkSPORT for coverage of the opening Monday Night Football of the season, starting at 1 am on talkSPORT2, featuring the San Francisco 49ers against the New York Jets.
Subscribe to our new talkSPORT End Zone NFL channel for more updates.
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