Ricky Pearsall asked hero cop if he was going to die after shooting horror

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall asked Sgt. Joelle Harrell from the San Francisco Police Department if he was going to die after the rookie was shot on Saturday .

Pearsall was walking just blocks away from Union Square in downtown San Francisco when he was confronted by an unnamed 17-year-old suspect. The suspect, who was recently arrested, attempted to steal Pearsall's Rolex before the two ended up in a physical struggle. The suspect's gun went off and shot the 49ers player in the chest.

When Sgt. Harrell arrived on the scene minutes later, Pearsall was losing blood. " I was using my hand for the front just to create a suction so the air wouldn’t enter the wound," she told the SF Chronicle .

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Harrell calmed Pearsall when he asked if he was going to die. "Be strong, like you're on the field," she told the football player. "Just focus on your breathing."

Shortly after, an ambulance arrived on the scene to transport Pearsall to the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. "It's here for you," Harrell told Pearsall. The wide receiver was released from the hospital a day later in a reported "fair condition." His timeline for returning to practice is currently unclear.

Pearsall was originally out signing autographs at a team event before shopping in downtown San Fransisco. He was walking alone at 3:30 PM when he was confronted.

His team posted the news shortly after the incident : “San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon "He’s sustained a bullet wound to the chest and is in serious but stable condition. We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”

Pearsall was selected with the 31st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after a strong season at the University of Florida where he posted 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns. He looked poised to challenge for a starting spot next to Deebo Samuel following Brandon Aiyuk's protracted holdout , but Pearsall suffered a slew of offseason injuries slowing him throughout training camp.

The 49ers open their 2024 NFL season against the New York Jets on September 9 in the first Monday Night Football game of the season.