I was shot in the chest during an armed robbery. Surviving made me even more motivated to succeed in my NFL career.

RICKY Pearsall has had a rookie season like no other after cheating death.

Pearsall, 24, has a new sense of perspective after overcoming the unimaginable horror of being shot in the chest.

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Pearsall’s opportunity to make an impression as a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 NFL Draft has been put on hold.

The wide receiver was shot in the chest during an attempted armed robbery just nine days before the 49ers’ season-opening victory over the New York Jets.

Incredibly, Pearsall suffered no damage to his internal organs, with the quick intervention of SFPD Sergeant Joelle Harrell playing a key role in his survival of the incident.

The 24-year-old returned to the field and made his debut in the 49ers’ Super Bowl rematch in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

And Pearsall has already started to make his presence felt, scoring his first touchdown in a Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His new perspective was key to getting the 31st overall pick up and running.

The recipient also acknowledged that his parents’ guidance was essential to his success in emerging stronger from his traumatic experience.

Pearsall’s father, Ricky Sr., is a captain with the Phoenix Fire Department.

“It’s been everything to me,” Pearsall told The Sun of his family ties.

“I have a really good foundation, I’m super lucky to have these people in my life.

“My father is a first aid worker. So just seeing what’s actually happening makes me that much more grateful for what I’ve been through.

“By having responders come to me and help me, it basically saved my life in one day.

“So I have a completely different perspective and level of respect for those guys.”

He added: “And then my mother played a huge role in me and my character.

“I think she definitely made me the man I am today and how to behave, how I approach people or even how I carry myself, manners around the building.

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“My mother always taught me to make sure I treat everyone the same way I want to be treated.

“Both my parents taught me a lot of different morals and values ​​that I will keep forever.”

Explaining how the delay in his career increased his motivation, Pearsall added: “Yeah, I think it just changed my perspective a bit more than anything else.

“I’ve always been super motivated. I sincerely believe in it. I’m shouting it out to my parents once again.

“And then just the whole new perspective that I don’t have to take any day for granted and you never know when it’s your last day.”

I think that changed my perspective a little more than anything else. The whole new perspective that I shouldn’t take any day for granted and you never know when it’s your last day.

Ricky Pearsall after being shot

Belief also plays a crucial role in Pearsall’s life, on and off the field.

“Of course, being patient, putting my faith in God, I think that’s the most important thing,” Pearsall said.

“Having something bigger than yourself is going to help you get through tough times like this.

“So the person I turn to is God. When you feel alone, when you feel that dark spot, he will always be there for you and support you no matter what.”

Pearsall will play an expanded role for the 49ers down the stretch as they try to find consistency and make the playoffs.

A season-ending injury to Brandok Aiyuk has already seen Pearsall given more opportunities.

And he’s already made an impression by being himself and using the lessons his parents gave him to get through an up-and-down rookie year.