The Miracle Files

Episode 57 – Miracles in the News: Three Shots in Broad Daylight

Podcast Date: January 19, 2026
Hosts: Emily Jones & Holly Worthington
Guest: Sergeant Joelle Harrell (SFPD)

Episode Overview

In this uplifting and emotional episode, Emily and Holly share the real-life miracle story of NFL rookie Ricky Pearsall, who survived a broad daylight shooting in San Francisco just days before the football season began. With firsthand testimony from police officer Sergeant Joelle Harrell, and reactions from Ricky, his family, and supporters, the episode explores moments of faith, the impact of everyday heroes, and how "miracles still happen." The story is not only gripping, but ultimately hopeful—bringing listeners a refreshing and inspiring story of resilience and grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene

• Hosts reflect on the need for inspiring stories amidst dark news cycles.
  • "We're here to prove that there are more miracles than murders." (00:39, Emily Jones)

2. Ricky Pearsall’s Background & NFL Draft Moment

• Ricky’s football journey: Raised in Phoenix AZ, high school standout, played WR at Arizona State, first-round 2024 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
• Memorable Draft Call (01:49–02:24):
  • John Lynch (49ers GM): "We're gonna make you a niner right now, okay?"
  • Ricky Pearsall: "You getting a workhorse, coach?"
  • Family excitement erupts off-air.
  • Emily: “I love that he’s so composed on the phone. And then as soon as he gets off the phone, everyone loses it.” (02:34)

3. The Attack on Ricky Pearsall (03:29–04:52)

• August 31st, Union Square, San Francisco, broad daylight.
• Ricky is approached by a 17-year-old armed assailant trying to steal his watch; a struggle ensues, and three shots are fired.
• Ricky is shot once, a dangerous "through and through" wound to the chest.
  • Host reflection: “Even a single gunshot wound to the chest can be fatal. In fact, [it] is usually fatal.” (05:06, Holly)

4. Immediate Response & Intervention by Sergeant Harrell (05:17–06:39)

• Sgt. Joelle Harrell arrives within seconds, administering life-saving aid:
  • Places pressure on the wound, reassures Ricky who's in shock and asks "Am I going to die?"
  • Memorable Officer Words:
    • Sgt. Harrell: "Look at me. I know you don't know me, but please trust me. It's not your time. You're going to be okay. God is with us right now. Please just breathe. Stay calm." (06:08)
  • Emotional reaction from hosts praising Sgt. Harrell's calm, faith-filled presence.

5. The Miracle: Medical Outcome (08:01–08:58)

• Doctors find that the bullet missed every vital organ.
  • Doctor: “It missed his heart. It missed the large blood vessels in the chest cavity. It missed his lungs as well as his spinal cord. You could say it was one in a million shots who missed all those.” (08:47)
  • Ricky’s mother’s Facebook post: “God shielded him. Thanks be to God, it missed his vital organs.” (08:58)

6. Aftermath: Family, Faith, and Coincidences (09:15–09:42)

• Ricky’s hospital room was #14—the same as his jersey number: “Tell me this isn’t another God wink.” (09:23, Holly)
• Released from hospital in less than 24 hours. Invited Sgt. Harrell and his parents to the 49ers home opener.

7. Recognition and Emotional Reunion (10:20–11:52)

• Meeting at Levi’s Stadium before kickoff—Ricky’s father and family hear Sgt. Harrell’s words live on the call as Ricky was shot.
  • Ricky’s Dad: “... I could hear your voice on the other line on the end of the line.” (10:25)
  • Family Member: “You are an angel on this earth.” (10:46)
• Stadium-wide recognition of Sgt. Harrell and medical staff; Ricky appears on his 24th birthday, just nine days after the shooting.

8. Ricky’s Return and Forgiveness (12:03–12:59)

• Ricky cleared to play just three months later. Emotional moment as he returns to the field with teammates’ overwhelming support.
• Ricky publicly forgives the shooter:
  • Holly: “Ricky said publicly that he already forgives him, which I think is wonderful.” (15:00)

9. Everyday Angels: Personal Stories from Hosts (13:25–14:57)

• Holly shares gratitude for her “earthly angel,” neighbor Katie, who brought food during hard times as a single mom.
• Emily recalls a tough high school day eased by a friend’s timely call: “...when I need it most, God loved me enough to do that.” (14:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sergeant Harrell’s Assurance:
  "Look at me. I know you don't know me, but please trust me. It's not your time. You're going to be okay. God is with us right now." – Sgt. Joelle Harrell (06:08)

• Medical Marvel:
  "It missed his heart. It missed the large blood vessels in the chest cavity. It missed his lungs as well as his spinal cord. You could say it was one in a million shots." – Treating Doctor (08:47)

• Family’s Faith:
  “God shielded him. Thanks be to God, it missed his vital organs.” – Ricky Pearsall’s mother, via Facebook (08:58)

• Recognition of a Hero:
  "You are an angel on this earth." – Family member to Sgt. Harrell (10:46)

• Ricky’s Resilience and Faith:
  "I know God got me, and, you know, I felt his presence during those moments. So, you know, I know that he's got bigger plans for me, and I just try to live without fear, you know?" – Ricky Pearsall, Bleacher Report (15:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• NFL Draft Call & Family Moment: 01:49–02:24
• Attack & Shooting Overview: 03:29–05:06
• Sergeant Harrell's Rescue & Comforting Words: 06:08–06:39
• Medical "One in a Million" Outcome: 08:47–08:58
• Reunion at Stadium & Recognition: 10:20–11:52
• Personal Stories from Hosts: 13:25–14:57
• Ricky’s Closing Words on Faith: 15:26

Tone and Takeaways

Warm, grateful, and faith-filled, the hosts create a space that is both comforting and inspiring. They honor everyday acts of heroism and kindness—reminding listeners that miracles aren’t always grand gestures, but often come in moments of courage, comfort, and compassion.

The story of Ricky Pearsall’s survival, recovery, and return—against all odds—serves as a powerful testament to hope, the power of human kindness, and the possibility of the miraculous amid hardship.

Recommended for listeners seeking hopeful, real-life stories and encouragement—where moments of tragedy highlight and magnify the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of everyday miracles.