San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch faced the press on Tuesday to shed some light on Ricky Pearsall’s current condition. Lynch started off by expressing gratitude on behalf of Ricky and his family, saying, “I talked with Ricky this morning, he just wants to express, and the team wants to express, our gratitude to a variety of people. Number one, the San Francisco Police Department, they were incredible in their response. They were incredible at the hospital.”
Lynch went on to give a special shoutout to San Francisco Police Department sergeant Joelle Harrell, acknowledging her efforts in ensuring Ricky’s comfort during a tough time. He also praised the entire police department for their tremendous support, from the police chief down to the officers on the ground.
The care Ricky received at San Francisco General was also commended by Lynch, who noted, “The respect, the way they handled things was just, was unbelievable. We’re eternally grateful for that.” He highlighted the efforts of the team’s staff, particularly Austin Moss II, the senior director of player affairs and development, who played a key role in locating Ricky. Lynch also mentioned the crucial contributions of Dustin Little, the head trainer, and the team doctors, including Tim McAdams and Nino.
Reflecting on the team’s response, Lynch shared a poignant moment that captured the essence of the Niner culture. He recounted a story from Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young about Ronnie Lott offering his support, emphasizing how the team had Ricky’s back throughout the ordeal.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Ricky expressed a desire for his teammates to attend a team party that was scheduled during his hospitalization. Lynch recounted, “We were able to pipe Ricky into the party, and he FaceTimed the entire group. That show of love and respect was a real special moment for our team.”
Addressing the decision to place Ricky on Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, Lynch explained, “We had to act quickly with that decision. I wish we had some more time to make it, but ultimately, we felt the number one thing we had to be concerned with was Ricky’s well-being physically, emotionally, and mentally.”
In conclusion, Lynch emphasized the importance of giving Ricky the time he needs to recover physically, emotionally, and mentally, stressing that the team’s priority is his well-being. The press conference shed light on the unwavering support and solidarity within the 49ers organization during challenging times.