San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick, Ricky Pearsall, was shot during an attempted robbery in Union Square. Pearsall is in stable condition and the suspect is in custody, with conflicting reports initially suggesting he was shot in the chest or arm. The Niners confirmed Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and sustained a bullet wound to his chest, stating his condition as serious but stable. Police reported that Pearsall was shot during a struggle for the gun with the suspect who was allegedly trying to steal a Rolex watch.
Pearsall, who played in college at Arizona State and Florida, had a successful career with 965 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final season with the Gators. He was drafted by the Niners as the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team already had a strong wide receiver room with All-Pros Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Following the shooting, Samuel tweeted that Pearsall was “good,” and former teammate Rachaad White also responded to the news.
Injuries had plagued Pearsall’s first NFL training camp, as he dealt with a hamstring injury and shoulder issues prior to the shooting. It remains unclear how much time he will miss due to his gunshot wound. San Francisco mayor London Breed and police chief William Scott both released statements reacting to the incident, which comes at a time when crime is a contentious issue in the city. Year-to-date data shows robbery to be down 22% in San Francisco, adding context to the shocking news of Pearsall’s shooting.
The suspect in the robbery attempt was also shot through the chest and is currently stable in San Francisco General Hospital. Pearsall was seen walking to an ambulance while holding a chest wound in a video posted on social media. The Niners have requested privacy for the Pearsall family at this time and expressed their thoughts and prayers for Ricky’s recovery. The football community has shown support for Pearsall, with teammates and former colleagues sending well wishes and expressing concern for his well-being.
Pearsall’s drafting marked a new chapter in his promising football career, with his reputation as a skilled slot receiver known for his route running and hands. Despite the challenges he faced during his first training camp, Pearsall’s talent and potential were evident. The shocking news of his shooting has raised concerns about safety and crime in San Francisco, prompting local officials to address the issue. As Pearsall continues his recovery, the football world waits for updates on his condition and hopes for a full and speedy recovery for the young athlete.
