A Moment of Silence for a Fallen Star and True Warrior! as 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Passes Away, Leaving Fans and Teammates in Devastation. - soccerdelights.com
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A Moment of Silence for a Fallen Star and True Warrior! as 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Passes Away, Leaving Fans and Teammates in Devastation.

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A Moment of Silence for a Fallen Star and True Warrior! as 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Passes Away, Leaving Fans and Teammates in Devastation.

Nearly three months later, the San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver often reflexively looks over his shoulder when he’s walking alone. Other unsettling moments trigger flashbacks to the afternoon of Aug. 31.

“I was just talking to one of my teammates earlier about it,” Pearsall said to the Chronicle on Wednesday. “Certain things pop up and it’s kind of like, ‘Whoa, that kind of reminds me of that situation.’ It puts goosebumps on my arms.”

Pearsall isn’t done dealing with trauma after he was shot in the chest in a robbery attempt in Union Square. He’s spoken with multiple therapists provided by the team, and he doesn’t know when his unseen damage will heal.

However, the most intense emotions Pearsall has experienced since the shooting haven’t involved anxiety or fear. Those feelings persist, but they so often get subsumed by his sense of peace and calm. It’s a tranquility that he oddly first felt when he didn’t know whether he was about to die after a bullet tore through the right side of his chest and exited through his back, leaving him bleeding profusely near the corner of Geary Street and Grant Avenue.

Pearsall spoke Wednesday in detail for the first time about the aftermath of his shooting and the serenity he says he has felt from a higher power. After he made his NFL debut in a loss to the Chiefs on Oct. 20, Pearsall mentioned receiving signs that he viewed as the “presence of God,” saying that was a “whole separate story.”

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This week, Pearsall often smiled and shook his head in wonder as he unspooled that story.

Pearsall, who is Catholic, was lying in the street when Sgt. Joelle Harrell, a devout Catholic, began praying for him after she pressed his T-shirt against the wound in his chest and used her baseball cap to create pressure on his exit wound in his back. The bullet had struck a few inches below Pearsall’s tattoo of praying hands.

Pearsall recalls “freaking out” and frantically asking Harrell if he was going to survive. She offered reassurance and said she was going to pray for him, which Pearsall didn’t initially welcome.

“I was just like, ‘Am I going to live?’ – I wasn’t worried about prayer at that moment,” Pearsall said. “But she started and something just took over me and I felt relaxed. I’m bleeding everywhere. I mean, this s- just happened. But we were just hugging, she was praying and I felt such a calmness that things were going to be OK, even though I didn’t know in the moment.

“We were still waiting on the ambulance and the other officer that was there was saying that we needed to hurry up. The spot where the bullet wound was – they were worried about it. It was ‘hurry up and get him to the hospital.’ But I just felt so relaxed even though I didn’t know the outcome.”

Pearsall remained calm by silently praying in the ambulance en route to San Francisco General Hospital.

“I just kept saying, ‘Please, Lord, it’s not my time,’” Pearsall said. “It is all in his timing, but I just felt in that moment that he had me.”

At the hospital, Pearsall was swiftly taken to the ICU. His room number, 14, matched his jersey number. Pearsall was confused: Did they know he played for the 49ers? He quickly discovered it was a coincidence, although he viewed it as a sign that he was being watched over.

“I was like, ‘Are you doing this because I’m No. 14? Can you say that again?’” Pearsall said. “‘Room No. 14, that’s crazy. That means more than you think.’”

The bullet went through Pearsall’s chest at an angle and exited the side of his back. He survived, was discharged the next morning and made his NFL debut 50 days later because it didn’t strike vital organs or nerves and passed through an area between two ribs. A doctor traced the bullet’s journey on a whiteboard for Pearsall and his family and admitted she couldn’t explain its improbable course.

“She said, ‘I’ve never seen a bullet path like this. I’m not a religious person, but something like this would make me religious,’” Pearsall said. “For me, that was a very impactful moment.”

Pearsall’s experience has deepened his faith, which has helped him cope with trauma. He also credits support he has received from the 49ers and his teammates, and returning to the field has also been therapeutic.

Not that the first four games of his NFL career have been easy. Pearsall has 11 catches for 132 yards and scored his first touchdown on a 46-yard catch in a 23-20 win at Tampa Bay on Nov. 10. However, he didn’t have a reception while playing 37 snaps in a 20-17 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday that dropped the 49ers to 5-5 on the season.

Pearsall hasn’t lost his competitive fire, but he acknowledged nearly losing his life has provided perspective on losses and professional failure.

“I care about this game so much to the point where sometimes it does drive me crazy when I’m not playing up to my potential or we’re losing some games that we should be winning,” Pearsall said. “But when I put it into perspective of what I’ve been through and the understanding that there’s a lot more life outside of the game, it kind of keeps me calm in a way and it gets me back to being myself. And I think I’m the best version of myself when I keep that perspective.”

Pearsall has felt like the best version of himself more often recently due to the worst moment of his life. But that doesn’t mean the shooting didn’t create wounds that still require healing.

Still, even in those scary moments when he’s walking by himself, Pearsall’s fears can be quieted because he has faith, a belief strengthened by a prayer, a bullet path and even a room number that have told him that he’s not alone.

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ESPN Analyst Casually Destroys Cowboys With Blunt Message About Their Free Agency Moves

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ESPN Analyst Casually Destroys Cowboys With Blunt Message About Their Free Agency Moves

Jerry Jones said before NFL free agency began that the team wouldn’t be aggressive in trying to bring in new pieces that could help the franchise bounce back from a bad year. Well, it looks like he wasn’t lying because the Cowboys haven’t made a ton of moves, which has left fans and analysts wondering why they’ve chosen this route while most other teams are making big moves for the future.

On Wednesday the Cowboys lost DeMarcus Lawrence to the Seahawks, as the long-time edge rusher signed a three-year deal with Seattle. Moments after that move was announced, ESPN’s Ryan Clark tore into Jones and the Cowboys over their free agency plan:

“They don’t care,” Clark said on NFL Live. “I’m convinced the Cowboys don’t care. The Cowboys are just like, ‘It is what it is, dog. We’re going to see what happens. We ain’t trying to get better in the offseason.'”

The Cowboys, who finished 7-10 last season, own the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. It seems like they’re going to be content to wait until April to make some bigger moves to help bolster their roster.

 

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BREAKING NEWS: Former New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Joins Denver Broncos Shocks NFL Leaves Stunning Message for Woody Johnson following.

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BREAKING NEWS: Former New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Joins Denver Broncos Shocks NFL Leaves Stunning Message for Woody Johnson following….

Former New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Joins Denver Broncos, Leaves Stunning Message for Woody Johnson

The NFL world was caught off guard as former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh officially joined the Denver Broncos, marking a new chapter in his coaching career. However, what truly shocked fans and analysts alike was the message he left for Jets owner Woody Johnson, adding intrigue to his departure from New York. Saleh’s decision to move to Denver has sparked speculation about his tenure with the Jets, the reasons behind his departure, and what his presence could mean for the Broncos moving forward.

A Surprising Move to Denver

After three seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets, Robert Saleh’s tenure came to an abrupt end following the 2024 NFL season. While the Jets had high hopes for Saleh when he was hired in 2021, his time in New York was marred by inconsistency, struggles at the quarterback position, and an inability to reach the postseason. With his departure, many expected him to take a break from coaching or pursue a role as a defensive coordinator elsewhere.

Instead, Saleh wasted no time in securing his next opportunity, accepting a key role on Sean Payton’s staff with the Denver Broncos. The exact nature of his position has not yet been disclosed, but reports suggest that he will have significant input on the Broncos’ defensive scheme. Given Saleh’s reputation as a defensive mastermind, Denver could be looking to revamp its defense, which has faced challenges in recent seasons.

The Message That Shook Jets Fans

As if Saleh’s departure wasn’t surprising enough, his final message to Jets owner Woody Johnson added an unexpected layer of drama. According to sources close to the situation, Saleh left a statement that was both cryptic and pointed, leading to speculation about tensions within the Jets organization.

While the full details of the message have not been publicly released, insiders suggest that Saleh expressed his disappointment over how his tenure ended and may have hinted at frustrations regarding the team’s front office decisions.

One source described the message as “firm but professional,” indicating that Saleh didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts. Some speculate that he may have been frustrated with how the Jets handled their quarterback situation, which included struggles with Zach Wilson and an ill-fated pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a season-ending injury in his first game with the team.

Why Saleh’s Time in New York Fell Short

When Robert Saleh was hired by the Jets in 2021, he was seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. As the former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, he had built a reputation as a defensive guru with strong leadership qualities.

However, his tenure with the Jets was filled with challenges. Despite building one of the league’s top defensive units, the team’s offensive struggles held them back. The revolving door at quarterback, offensive line injuries, and inconsistent playcalling led to a lack of progress in the standings.

The 2024 season was particularly tough, as expectations were sky-high following the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers’ injury in Week 1 derailed those hopes, leaving Saleh to navigate another disappointing season. By the end of the year, it became clear that the Jets were ready to move in a different direction.

What Saleh Brings to Denver

For the Broncos, bringing in Saleh could be a major boost for their defense. Denver has struggled to maintain consistency on that side of the ball, and Saleh’s experience could provide much-needed stability. Under his leadership, the Jets consistently ranked among the league’s top defenses, even when the offense failed to support them.

Now, paired with head coach Sean Payton, Saleh has an opportunity to make a significant impact in Denver. If given control over the defense, he could help elevate the Broncos to contender status in the AFC West. His energy, intensity, and tactical knowledge make him a valuable addition to Payton’s coaching staff.

Reactions from Fans and Analysts

Unsurprisingly, Saleh’s move to Denver has led to mixed reactions from Jets fans. Some believe that he was unfairly let go and should have been given more time, especially considering the bad luck with injuries. Others argue that the team needed a fresh start and that Saleh’s departure was inevitable.

On the Broncos’ side, fans are excited about the addition of a proven defensive mind. Many believe that Saleh’s presence will strengthen a defense that has struggled in recent seasons. Analysts have also weighed in, noting that this move could allow Saleh to rebuild his reputation and potentially position himself for another head coaching opportunity in the future.

What’s Next for Saleh and the Broncos?

As Saleh begins his tenure with the Broncos, the focus will be on how he integrates into Payton’s staff and what changes he implements on defense. If he can turn Denver’s defense into a top-tier unit, he could quickly regain credibility as a head coaching candidate for future openings.

Meanwhile, the Jets are moving forward with a new coaching staff, but Saleh’s parting message ensures that his departure will not be forgotten anytime soon. Whether his words were meant as a simple farewell or a critique of the organization remains a mystery, but one thing is clear: Robert Saleh’s time in New York ended with a bang, and his journey in Denver is just beginning.

 

 

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BREAKING NEWS: Robert Saleh’s Shocking Move: From Jets to 49ers, Now Broncos’ Head Coach – Reactions from Woody Johnson & Jed York Shake Up NFL Fans…

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BREAKING NEWS: Robert Saleh’s Shocking Move: From Jets to 49ers, Now Broncos’ Head Coach – Reactions from Woody Johnson & Jed York Shake Up NFL Fans…

In a stunning turn of events, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has been named the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. This move comes after a whirlwind coaching journey that saw Saleh return to the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive coordinator before quickly making the leap to a head coaching role once again. The decision has sent shockwaves through the NFL, with both Jets owner Woody Johnson and 49ers owner Jed York reacting to the unexpected news.

A Tumultuous Coaching Journey
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets came to an abrupt end in October 2024 after a rocky 2-3 start to the season. Despite his defensive prowess, the team struggled to find consistency, prompting Johnson to part ways with him in hopes of bringing in new leadership. Following his dismissal, Saleh was quickly scooped up by the 49ers in January 2025 to serve as their defensive coordinator, returning to a franchise where he had previously built a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds.

However, his stint with San Francisco proved to be short-lived. The Denver Broncos, who had been searching for a strong leader to turn around their struggling franchise, made an aggressive move to secure Saleh as their new head coach. This quick transition from defensive coordinator to head coach caught many by surprise, including 49ers owner Jed York, who had high hopes for Saleh’s impact on their defense.

Reactions from Woody Johnson and Jed York
Jets owner Woody Johnson, who had previously defended his decision to move on from Saleh, was reportedly shocked by how quickly his former coach landed another head coaching job. In a statement, Johnson acknowledged Saleh’s talents but maintained that the Jets needed a change. “Robert is a great coach and a great leader, but at the time, we believed a new direction was necessary for the team. I wish him all the best in Denver,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, 49ers owner Jed York expressed disappointment at Saleh’s sudden departure. “We were excited to have Robert back as part of our coaching staff. His defensive expertise is well known, and we believed he could help us make another deep playoff run. While we respect his decision, it’s unfortunate to lose such a valuable coach so quickly,” York stated.

Fan Reactions and the Future of the Broncos
NFL fans have taken to social media to express their opinions on the surprising coaching change. Many Jets fans are left wondering if the team made a mistake in letting Saleh go, while 49ers fans are frustrated that he didn’t stay long enough to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Broncos fans are cautiously optimistic about the hire, hoping that Saleh can bring his defensive mastery to a team that has struggled in recent seasons.

For Denver, the move signals a commitment to rebuilding their team with a defensive-minded approach. Saleh’s ability to develop players and create dominant defensive units was evident during his time with the 49ers, and the Broncos are banking on him to replicate that success in the Mile High City.

What’s Next for the Jets and 49ers?
With Saleh now in Denver, both the Jets and the 49ers are left adjusting to life without him. The Jets continue their search for a long-term coaching solution, while the 49ers must now find a replacement for their defensive coordinator position. The impact of Saleh’s departure will be closely monitored as the NFL offseason progresses.

One thing is certain—Robert Saleh’s unexpected move to the Broncos has shaken up the league and added another layer of intrigue to the upcoming NFL season. Whether he can turn Denver into a contender remains to be seen, but his journey has already made waves across the football world.

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Breaking: Aaron Rodgers has finalized a two-year deal to join Steelers in 2025 NFL free agency

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Breaking: Aaron Rodgers has finalized a two-year deal to join Steelers in 2025 NFL free agency

Antonio Brown has not been a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers in seven years. The ex-star wide receiver continues to circulate Steelers rumors, and now he’s asserting that he has insider knowledge about the team’s upcoming quarterback, hinting on Tuesday that Aaron Rodgers has already reached a two-year deal with Pittsburgh.

“Agreement is complete,” Brown shared on X, while promoting his social media platform as “the most reliable source in the entire sports world.”

This isn’t the initial occasion Brown has disclosed purported insider information about NFL news. Twelve months prior, the forthright ex-pass catcher posted screenshots of a supposed exchange with ESPN insider Adam Schefter, where Brown asked ESPN to acknowledge him for revealing the news of Russell Wilson joining the Steelers. Wilson ultimately secured a one-year contract with Pittsburgh last offseason.

Rodgers, who has been with the New York Jets for the past two seasons, is said to have been discussing with the Steelers since prior to the beginning of this week’s free agent negotiation period. The Jets had already declared their plan to let go of the former NFL MVP, and after Wilson and Justin Fields entered the negotiating period without new contracts from the Steelers, Rodgers appeared to be a primary target for Mike Tomlin’s team, with local reports suggesting that the two sides were nearing an agreement on Monday.

Brown, in the meantime, dedicated most of his successful yet controversial NFL career to Pittsburgh, twice topping the league in receptions as a seven-time Pro Bowler.

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Garrett Wilson Breaks Silence on Jets Signing QB Justin Fields

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Garrett Wilson Breaks Silence on Jets Signing QB Justin Fields

Former Ohio State Football teammates Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson reacting in the middle of a college football game.

The New York Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year deal for $40 million in free agency.

Garrett Wilson, Fields’ former Ohio State teammate, gave this addition the stamp of approval.

“He [Fields] has a connection with Garrett Wilson. I think Wilson is very happy from what I understand [after talking] to some people,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic revealed on the “Flight Plan” podcast. “I think a lot of guys on this team wanted Justin Fields as their quarterback who are still on the team. [Fields] has the chemistry with Garrett, Garrett is happy that he is coming, [and] you don’t have to deal with the personality clash there.”

The Fields-Wilson Relationship Is an Important Factor

Things got bad between Wilson and Aaron Rodgers during the 2024 season. So bad in fact that Wilson would have considered requesting a trade if Rodgers returned in 2025, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

“All is not well with Rodgers and Wilson,” Rapoport revealed on December 29. “Privately, there have been questions regarding whether Rodgers and Wilson can find common ground since they had a blowup during training camp … Wilson has not requested a trade, but if Rodgers is back, that is one of the options for how to proceed.”

There aren’t any questions about the relationship between Fields and Wilson.

The pair were teammates at Ohio State for two seasons in 2019 and 2020. OSU finished with a 20-2 record and the talented Buckeyes put up monster numbers.

Wilson during those two years caught 113 receptions for 1,781 receiving yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

Fields added 867 rushing yards and 15 rushing scores on the ground during those two seasons. Through the air, Fields added 5,373 passing yards, had a 63 touchdown to 9 interception ratio, and completed 68.7% of his passes during that same stretch.

Fields Is the Right Risk vs. Reward Proposition

The Jets acquired the most realistic best possible quarterback option that was available this offseason.

Fields, 26, is an unfinished product with untapped potential. He showed significant signs of improvement this past season on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record and set new career highs in completion percentage (65.8%) and quarterback rating (93.3).

“Here’s the reality & people don’t like to live in this, Justin Fields’ last two seasons he’s thrown for 21 touchdowns & 10 picks,” ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky said on the SportsCenter special “Free Agency Frenzy.”

In New York, Fields has a chance to prove he is the guy. The Jets signed him to a two-year deal for $40 million with $30 million of that guaranteed.

Based on his contract structure, Fields should be on the Jets roster for both of those years no matter what.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini explained that the former Ohio State product has a $20 million base salary next season with $10 million of that guaranteed.

Fields’ $20 million annual salary ranks No. 17 among the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL, per Over The Cap.

If he has a standout year in 2025, Fields and the Jets can come back to the negotiating table to work out a long-term deal. If he stinks, Fields can be the bridge quarterback for the team in 2026 as they seek out what comes next at QB.

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