George Kittle Hails 49ers WR as ‘Sunday MVP’ After Spending Thanksgiving in Relentless Prep for Browns Showdown.QQ
The San Francisco 49ers entered Week 13 searching for more consistency at wide receiver after a shaky offensive showing against the Carolina Panthers. Inside the SAP Performance Facility, however, one player quickly became the center of attention for all the right reasons. While most of the roster enjoyed a rare Thanksgiving off, refusing to step foot into the building,
one young receiver showed up alone, choosing work over holiday rest.
Instead of spending the day at home, he spent hours running routes, grinding through releases, attacking red-zone footwork, and sharpening his timing with every rep. Staff members on duty said the lights in the indoor facility stayed on far longer than expected, echoing with nothing but footsteps, deep breaths, and footballs smacking into gloves.
The timing made it even more noteworthy. After a disappointing performance in Week 12, the young wideout understood exactly what was at stake. A short week, a physical matchup on Sunday, and a WR depth chart battered by minor injuries meant someone needed to step forward, someone needed to set the tone.
That someone, teammates later revealed, was Ricky Pearsall.
He didn’t just show up, he turned the SAP Performance Facility into his personal training ground. For hours, Pearsall drilled footwork, route sharpness, and contested-catch mechanics, determined to bounce back and prove he belonged in the 49ers’ game plan against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.
During the afternoon, George Kittle stopped by the facility to grab extra gear before heading home for Thanksgiving dinner. What he found instead was Pearsall: drenched in sweat, breathing heavy, training with urgency like it was midseason playoff week. Speaking afterward, Kittle didn’t hide his admiration.
“When I walked in, he was already soaked in sweat. It was supposed to be our day off, but he was out there grinding like it was a playoff game. That’s what a real 49er looks like. I guarantee he’s going to be the MVP this Sunday.”
— George Kittle on Ricky Pearsall’s Thanksgiving grind
Pearsall’s effort didn’t stay secret for long. Word spread around the locker room quickly, giving the team a welcome spark during a demanding part of the season. With a crucial matchup against the Browns looming, Pearsall’s relentless mindset might be exactly what San Francisco needs.
As the 49ers prepare for one of the toughest defenses in the league, Pearsall’s message is clear, opportunities in the NFL aren’t given. They’re earned. And this week, no one on the roster worked harder than him.
