One-Game Tribute Exception: Free Safety Julian Love Shocks the NFL by Confirming He’ll Switch to #45 to Honor Legend Kenny Easley – and the Story Behind It Has the Entire NFL Community Bowing Their Heads in Respect

Santa Clara, California – January 6, 2026.At a time when caution would have been understandable, Ricky Pearsall chose conviction instead. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver remains a major question mark heading into Wild Card Weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he continues to manage a lingering posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury that has followed him for much of the 2025 season. Pearsall has battled through pain, setbacks, and multiple flare-ups — and as of this week, his availability is still uncertain. But when Pearsall was asked directly about his status, he didn’t offer a medical update. He didn’t hedge. He didn’t deflect. He gave eight words that immediately spread through the locker room: “I’ll play until I physically cannot run anymore.” Those words didn’t sound like bravado. Inside the building, they landed as a statement of intent. Pearsall’s season has been anything but smooth. The initial PCL injury in October never fully healed, and despite returning to action, the knee has required constant management. Coaches and medical staff have monitored him closely, aware that wide receivers rely heavily on explosive cuts, acceleration, and balance — all areas compromised by a knee ligament injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has acknowledged the reality of the situation: Pearsall has been playing through discomfort for weeks, and the risk of re-aggravation is real. The 49ers have consistently framed the decision as a balance between immediate need and long-term health. Yet Pearsall’s mindset has never wavered. Teammates describe him as “frustrated, but determined.” Not frustrated with the team — frustrated with his own body. For a player who fought to earn snaps early in the season and became a reliable part of the offense, the idea of standing on the sideline in January has been difficult to accept. That’s what made his eight-word answer resonate. This wasn’t about toughness for the cameras. It was about trust — in the trainers, the coaches, and the teammates beside him. Pearsall understands the risk. He also understands what playoff football represents, especially for a team that finished 12–5 and now faces a hostile road environment in Philadelphia. Around the locker room, the reaction was immediate. Veterans recognized the tone. Younger players took note. The message was clear: availability matters, but commitment matters just as much. Whether Pearsall ultimately takes the field on Sunday remains undecided. The medical evaluation will come first, and the 49ers have made it clear they will not sacrifice a player’s long-term future recklessly. But one thing is no longer in question. If Ricky Pearsall can run — he intends to be there.