New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was in Santa Clara on Friday, getting to know his new coaches and touring his new NFL home. This included the team's home field, Levi's Stadium, which is situated next to the team's headquarters.
Fans and analysts were surprised by Pearsall's selection. They projected the 49ers would use their No. 31 overall pick on the best available offensive tackle. Pearsall, who didn't really have San Francisco on his radar, was also surprised by the selection.
"I think the only time I actually met with them was during the Senior Bowl when you're kind of doing like the little speed dating meetings," Pearsall told reporters during a Zoom call after learning he was headed to the 49ers. "So that's really the only time I really got to talk to them. But as far as that, I didn't really have too much conversation and contact with them. My agent was trying to contact them leading up, obviously, to draft day, but as far as serious interest, I don't think that I was aware of this, no."
Speaking to team reporter Lindsey Pallares during a sit-down interview on Friday, Pearsall acknowledged how nerve-racking the draft was, especially as the first round came to a close because he believed he was a first-round talent.
A sense of relief came when he saw San Francisco was on the clock and his phone started ringing. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were calling to inform him that he was headed to the Bay Area.
The next day, the Levi's Stadium screens featured congratulatory and welcome photos of Pearsall as he toured the facility.
#49ers welcome new WR Ricky Pearsall to his NFL home. Pearsall slated to meet media for first time in about a half hour… pic.twitter.com/okdFtXk8PV
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) April 26, 2024
"Words definitely can't describe the way I'm feeling," Pearsall told Pallares. "Just walking out here for the first time, and kind of just embracing it and looking around. They had this little edit with my name on it on all the TVs, which is really crazy because when I was pulling up for the first time, I saw it right outside the stadium, and I was like, 'There it is.' And that's kind of where it hit a little bit."
Pearsall joins an organization boasting a storied history and an abundance of Hall of Fame talent. The young receiver is eager to carve out his own legacy with the team.
"Just putting my name into the history," Pearsall said of his goals. "That's really what it is. Just understanding the tradition and history that lies in this organization and how deep it is. Just being able to be a part of it, it's a big blessing for me.
"My dad knows more about the tradition and history, and he's teaching me along the way. He's like, 'You don't know what this means,' pointing out all the stuff that we walked by, and I'm like, 'I'm going to learn real quick and be a part of it.'"
To all my Niners,
I'm all about representing. What are some things I must know? Traditions? History? Culture? Lingo?
— Ricky Pearsall (@S1ickSzn) April 27, 2024
The rookie is eager to work with his new quarterback, Brock Purdy, and start building the chemistry that will be instrumental in the 49ers' future success.
Pearsall added, "I'm super blessed and excited to be a part of this program. And honestly, I think the system fits me perfectly, and I can add to that explosive offense."
When asked what message he wanted to send to The Faithful, Pearsall responded, "You're getting a good one. You're getting one that's going to be dedicated, and that's going to represent the organization well, and the name on the back of my jersey. So, you're going to get everything out of me."
