An NFL player who was shot during an attempted robbery returned to the field Monday to give thanks to the first responders who helped save his life.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest last Saturday by a 17-year-old who was attempting to rob him.
He was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered that the bullet had entered his chest and exited his back without hitting any vital organs. He returned home to recover the next day.
"I want to thank God for protecting my baby boy," said Pearsall's mother, Erin in a post on Facebook. "He is extremely lucky, God shielded him. My son was spared today, by the grace of God."
On Monday, while celebrating his birthday and the 49ers opening game, Pearsall thanked the first responders who helped him, embracing them and giving them each a signed jersey and helmet.
"God had bigger plans, blessed to see 24," said Ricky in a post on Instagram. "No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17"
Pearsall has since been put on the non-football injury list, which will give him time to recover from the shooting, as well as other injuries he's been dealing with through training camp.