The National Football League, or the NFL, is the most prestigious professional American football league and consists of thirty-two teams from United States cities and regions, according to the New World Encyclopedia. After the regular September-December season, the NFL championship, known as the Super Bowl, is competed for by twelve teams in a single-elimination tournament.
On Sept. 9, San Francisco’s football team, the Forty-Niners, won their first game in the regular season, beating the New York Jets 32-19. Yesterday, the Forty-Niners played the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Minnesota and lost 17-23.
“I love watching NFL games with my family, especially ‘Niner’s ones,” sophomore Maya Paine said. “I love supporting my team, and I’m honestly really upset we lost, because I know we could have done better,”
The San Francisco Forty-Niners have won five Super Bowl titles, which ties them with the Dallas Cowboys for the third most Super Bowl wins of any team. Since the Forty-Niners lost their last Super Bowl game to the Kansas City Chiefs, they have made multiple new drafts, with their first-round draft pick being wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
On the afternoon of Aug. 31, San Francisco police reported that Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery in Union Square, San Francisco and sustained a bullet wound to his chest. After a day in the hospital, the rookie was released from the hospital as he continues to recover from the chest wound, but was told he will not be seeing playing time for at least the first four weeks of the regular season, according to 49ers.
“I was so shocked when I heard the news of Ricky Pearsall’s injury and how close it was,” said junior Lila Pollak. “I was really upset he wouldn’t be able to play for some of the upcoming season, but since two weeks have already passed, I hope he’ll be able to come back soon,”
Looking forward, the Forty-Niners next game is against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. After the Rams game, the Forty-Niners play the New England Patriots, where following that game, Ricky Pearsall has the potential to make an appearance.
“I really hope Ricky Pearsall makes a quick recovery and he can play soon,” said Paine. “I am just super excited for the upcoming season and can’t wait to watch the Super Bowl.”
