Miracles in the News: A Rising NFL Rookie & Three Shots in Broad Daylight | Ep. 57

Summary

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Emily Jones]

This episode is brought to you by angel studios. Go to angel.com Miracle Files to show your support.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

I grabbed a hold of him really tight and I looked at him and I said, look at me. I said, I know you don't know me, but please trust me. It's not your time. You're going to be okay.

[Holly Worthington]

Okay?

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

God is with us right now. Please just breathe. Stay calm.

[Holly Worthington]

FOREIGN.

[Emily Jones]

This is the Miracle Files. I'm Emily Jones.

[Holly Worthington]

And I'm Holly Worthington. Sometimes the news and social media can feel pretty dark, and true crime can.

[Emily Jones]

Leave you afraid to even crawl into bed. But we're here to prove that there are more miracles than murders.

[Holly Worthington]

In these special Miracles in the News episodes, we dig through the headlines for.

[Emily Jones]

You because miracles still happen, and God is still good.

[Holly Worthington]

Welcome back to Miracles in the News. Emily, you know how we both like watching football?

[Emily Jones]

Yes. We love football.

[Holly Worthington]

We both love football. And I'm sorry, for international listeners, we're not talking about soccer. We're talking about American football.

[Emily Jones]

Gotta clarify that.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah. Yeah. So today's story is about a National Football League player named Ricky Pearsall. And I don't know if you've heard of him or not, Emily.

[Emily Jones]

I have not.

[Holly Worthington]

Okay, so just a little background information on Ricky. He grew up in the Phoenix, Arizona area, where he played high school football. Set some records. He went on to play at Arizona State.

[Emily Jones]

Nice. What position was he?

[Holly Worthington]

He plays wide receiver, and he's a very good one. So The San Francisco 49ers actually drafted Ricky in 2024 in the first round of the NFL draft.

[Emily Jones]

Nice.

[Holly Worthington]

And I have the actual draft call that we can listen to.

[John Lynch]

Hey, Ricky, this is John lynch with the 49ers, man. We're gonna. We're gonna make you a niner right now, okay?

[Ricky Pearsall]

Thank you, coach.

[Holly Worthington]

Appreciate you.

[Ricky Pearsall]

You getting a workhorse, Coach?

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah. All right.

[John Lynch]

That's what we want. We want a workhorse. I'm gonna put you on with Coach Shanahan. Okay. Here's Kyle.

[Coach Shanahan]

Sounds good.

[John Lynch]

Okay. Ricky. Ricky, congrats, man.

[Ricky Pearsall]

Thank you so much, Coach.

[Coach Shanahan]

I appreciate you.

[John Lynch]

Who you with right now?

[Ricky Pearsall]

I'm with my whole family. Mom and dad side.

[Announcer]

Nice.

[Holly Worthington]

Close friends.

[John Lynch]

They all excited?

[Ricky Pearsall]

Yes, sir.

[John Lynch]

Well, good, man. We love your style, man. Love how you play. I hope you're ready to come to work, man. Now it starts.

[Ricky Pearsall]

Thank you so much.

[Holly Worthington]

We are 49. Oh, my goodness.

[Emily Jones]

I love that he's, like, so composed on the phone.

[Holly Worthington]

Yes.

[Emily Jones]

And then as soon as he gets off the phone, it's just like everyone loses it I know.

[Holly Worthington]

Can you imagine being his family and friends just sitting there trying to be quiet during that call?

[Emily Jones]

It would be so exciting. And as soon as he hangs up, just like a cannon went off. I love it.

[Holly Worthington]

I know. Yes. So Ricky's dreams are totally coming true. He's got that red and gold 49ers uniform.

[Emily Jones]

Our brother's favorite team.

[Holly Worthington]

Yes, that's true. Our brother Drew loves the 49ers. I personally love the Chiefs, but you know, if you don't like the Chiefs, I understand. Yeah. Anyway, Ricky's stoked to get playing. And just before the season starts, the team is planning a party to celebrate, you know, finalizing that 53 man roster. Everything's lining up. And then on August 31st, Ricky's life changes drastically.

[Emily Jones]

That sounds kind of ominous.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah. So it's around 3:30 in the afternoon. Ricky has just finished up an autograph signing and he's walking near Union Square in San Francisco. If you haven't been there before, it's this place where there's a lot of luxury stores and tourists all around. It's broad daylight and nothing feels dangerous. But suddenly someone approaches Ricky. He thinks it's someone wanting an autograph still at first, but it isn't. That's when a 17 year old male holding a gun tries to steal Ricky's watch. A struggle ensues. They're fighting over the watch. And pretty soon that struggle to turns into a fight for the gun. Three shots ring out that everyone in the square hears. And Ricky feels a strange sensation in his chest. He doesn't realize it initially, but he has been shot. And his wound is what doctors refer to as a through and through, meaning that it goes in his chest and all the way through out his back.

[Emily Jones]

Yikes.

[Holly Worthington]

So here's what one eyewitness said.

[Emily Jones]

We just shot the gun three times.

[Eyewitness]

So we just ran in exclusive video time stamped 3:33 3pm Saturday, August 31st. Watch as a group of people make a mad dash down Geary running from gunshots that wounded 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.

[Emily Jones]

You could see like he was like shot right into the chest. Oh man. I think we all have that fear of being in a public space and hearing gunshots.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah.

[Emily Jones]

And they heard three. I can't, I can't imagine how terrifying that was. So did he get shot three times?

[Holly Worthington]

Amazingly no. He actually was only shot one time. But even a single gunshot wound to the chest can be fatal. In fact, is usually fatal.

[Emily Jones]

Scary.

[Holly Worthington]

So during this horrific moment, only seconds away, there happens to be a police woman. Her name is Sergeant Joelle Harrell. And she runs as soon as she hears those gunshots. She's calling on her radio as she's running there. She sees Ricky there and sees a gash in his head and tries to help him up. And then she sees that he has a gunshot wound in his chest. So she immediately puts pressure on the gunshot wound. She seals it. She holds Ricky steady. But then his body starts shaking as he's struggling to breathe, and fear is just overtaking him. Ricky looks at her and he asks the question that I think most people would wonder in this circumstance. He asks, am I going to die? And this is what Sergeant Harrell says to him.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

I grabbed hold of him really tight and I looked at him and I said, look at me. I said, I know you don't know me, but please trust me. It's not your time. You're going to be okay.

[Holly Worthington]

Okay.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

God is with us right now. I go, please just breathe. Stay calm. I go, you're strong. Just be strong like you're out on the field. Okay? And breathe. And he's looking at me and he's. He listened. And I was like, thank you. Because I needed him to be calm. And I said, you hear that siren? That's the ambulance. It's almost here.

[Holly Worthington]

Wow. Oh, gives me chills.

[Emily Jones]

Amazing woman. I mean, obviously she's trained as a police officer, but, like, the words that she chose and how comforting she was, and I love that she told him that God was there with him. Like, yeah, I don't train that.

[Holly Worthington]

I know. You can literally feel her faith, and she just has such a calming presence under this scary circumstance.

[Emily Jones]

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[Holly Worthington]

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[Emily Jones]

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[Holly Worthington]

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[Emily Jones]

Join the Angel Guild [e-mail] Miracle files and unlock shows. Your Whole family will love. That's angel.com Miracle Files.

[Holly Worthington]

And now back to our story. So as the suspect is running away, another police officer hears his description over the radio and captures him just blocks away. He'd also been shot in the arm, which slowed him down and made it easier to catch him. And meanwhile, Ricky is still bleeding profusely. And the ambulance comes and takes him away, rushes Ricky to the hospital. And here's where it gets even more miraculous. When doctors examine Ricky, they are stunned because somehow the bullet has missed every vital organ. Wow.

[Emily Jones]

And you got a lot in your chest.

[Holly Worthington]

Oh, yeah. Doctors say it's about as good of an outcome as Ricky could possibly hope for. Wow.

[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. And you could say it was one in a million shots. Who missed all those?

[John Lynch]

His mother says on Facebook God shielded him. Thanks be to God, it missed his vital organs.

[Emily Jones]

Man, I'm thinking about that draft call and all of those people that clearly love this man and how grateful they are that he's still there.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah, I know. It kind of makes me emotional to think about how all those chairs could have turned into such heartbreak.

[Emily Jones]

I know, that's.

[Holly Worthington]

But here's another detail I gotta share, because tell me this isn't another God wink. So in the hospital, Ricky's room number was 14. And guess what number his jersey is.

[Emily Jones]

I'm gonna guess 14.

[Holly Worthington]

Yes.

[Emily Jones]

That's awesome.

[Holly Worthington]

Isn't that crazy? I love.

[Emily Jones]

Cool.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah. And in less than 24 hours, Ricky is released from the hospital. And then nine days later, you know, he's still healing from his wound, but the 49ers invite Sergeant Harrell to their home opener at Levi Stadium. And Ricky's parents are also invited, and they get to meet Sergeant Harrell, and they tell her this is just minutes for kickoff, that they heard the call. They were on the call. Ricky was on the phone with them when he was shot. And they heard her words. They heard that comforting message that she gave to him, and it meant so much to them. So here's that amazing moment.

[Emily Jones]

This is Ricky's father.

[Coach Shanahan]

Thank you so much.

[Holly Worthington]

Of course.

[Coach Shanahan]

Oh, my God.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

Anyone?

[Coach Shanahan]

Thank you so much. Oh, my God. So when you were talking to him and I was talking to him, I could hear your voice on the other line on the end of the line. Oh, and I heard your. Your voice.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

Yeah.

[Holly Worthington]

Thank you. Yeah, of course.

[John Lynch]

Thank you.

[Holly Worthington]

Happy to.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

Happy to.

[Katie]

You are an angel on this earth.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

You are. Thank you.

[Emily Jones]

I Love. She called her. Her angel on this earth.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah, she was definitely their angel. And after that, they had a ceremony to recognize Sergeant Harrell and the doctor who treated Ricky, and the whole stadium stands and cheers, and they're so excited. And then they have a surprise guest.

[Announcer]

We are honored to recognize two of the many frontline heroes involved in the emergency efforts of 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Joining us here tonight, Sergeant Joelle Horell and Dr. Lucy Kornblith. this time, we invite everyone in attendance to recognize these frontline heroes. Here to thank them in person tonight on his 24th birthday, is wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.

[Holly Worthington]

Happy birthday.

[Sergeant Joelle Harrell]

Thank you.

[Holly Worthington]

It was his birthday.

[Emily Jones]

Even I was so emotional. And just to see him standing there alive and just doing so well after only nine days is quite miraculous.

[Holly Worthington]

It's so incredible to see. And he was also cleared to play football again just three months later. So amazing. And when he finally returned to the NFL and made his first catch, his teammates just swarmed him to tell him how proud of him they were.

[Emily Jones]

That's amazing. I'm sure that was such an emotional moment, not only for him and his teammates, but everybody watching. It's amazing that this could be shared by millions of people viewing. So, yeah, it's pretty cool.

[Holly Worthington]

Okay, so, Emily, you know, the question I'm gonna ask you. Was this a miracle?

[Emily Jones]

Without a question? This was a miracle. I mean, just think about, you know, the fact this bullet missed every vital organ, the fact that this police officer just, you know, so close by. And, you know, it wasn't just, like, what she did to save him, physically even. It was, like, the words that she used and, like.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah.

[Emily Jones]

How she helped him, both physically but also emotionally.

[Holly Worthington]

Absolutely. And I don't know about you, Emily, but I have had angels, earthly angels, in my life, too, several times, where I have been so grateful for what someone has done for me like that. Like when I was a single mom for a while there and I had four little kids under the age of 10. It was such a hard time. And try not to get emotional, but I had this neighbor named Katie who.

[Katie]

Would just stop by all the time and say, I made too much for dinner.

[Emily Jones]

Wow.

[Katie]

Here's some dinner if you'd like some dinner tonight. And of course, she'd have, like, a whole pan that she just accidentally made too much of.

[Emily Jones]

Of course.

[Katie]

And it meant so much to me to have somebody think. Thinking of me and my little family. And also just to know that she was so willing to give so much to Us.

[Emily Jones]

There are amazing people in this world. Katie is an amazing person. I just think about all the people who answer the call when God inspires you to do something. I know when I was in high school, I remember, like, I was having a really rough day, and I had one of those days where I was just feeling alone and I was just feeling down. And I remember praying to God and just saying, God, help me to get through this day. And then as soon as I was done praying, my friend called me and she just said, hey, how are you doing? I just want to check in on you. And I. She could tell, like, through my voice that I was emotional, and she just said, let me come over. She came over and we just talked, and she was so comforting to me. And afterwards, this. This is going to sound really weird, but I actually saved the tissue that I had wiped my tears away with. Like, I know it's kind of gross.

[Holly Worthington]

I love it. At least you didn't blow your nose into it.

[Emily Jones]

It was just tears, but I literally saved that for years in my journal. And it was just this reminder that, like, when I need it most, God loved me enough to do that.

[Holly Worthington]

I love that. That is a beautiful story.

[Emily Jones]

Thanks.

[Holly Worthington]

Well, thank you, Emily, and thanks to everyone else for joining us today. We pray for the young man who shot Ricky, and. And Ricky said publicly that he already forgives him, which I think is wonderful.

[Emily Jones]

Inspiring.

[Holly Worthington]

Yeah. So God bless Ricky and your family and everyone involved in helping Ricky. And we just want to end with this sound bite from Ricky himself speaking to Bleacher Report.

[Ricky Pearsall]

You know, as far as, like, living my life with fear, like, I'd never. I never want to live that way. You know what I mean? And 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?

[Holly Worthington]

All right, everyone, have a great week, and we'll see you later.

[Emily Jones]

See you guys.

[Holly Worthington]

Thank you for joining us. If you have a miracle to share, contact us@themerical files.com or find us on social media. We release new episodes each Monday.

[Emily Jones]

Yes. So don't forget Miracle Mondays. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube for amazing video content as well.

[Holly Worthington]

Join us next time as we discover more of God's miracles. And don't forget to look for his light in your own lives.