Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49ers‘ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was shot during an attempted robbery at San Francisco‘s Union Square, per a statement from San Francisco police.
Pearsall is reportedly in stable condition and the suspect is in custody. There were initially conflicting reports over whether he was shot in the chest of the arm, but police later confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle that it was the chest.
He was seen walking to the ambulance while covering a chest wound in a video posted by a KTVU reporter on social media.
The Niners released a statement confirming Pearsall was the victim of an alleged attempted robbery and describing his condition as “serious but stable” after a bullet wound to the chest:
“San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon.
“He sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition. We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
Police told KTXL’s Sean Cunningham that Pearsall was shot after a struggle for the gun with a suspect, who was allegedly attempting to steal a Rolex watch while Pearsall was going to a signing event. The suspect was also reportedly shot through the chest and is currently stable at San Francisco General Hospital, where Pearsall is being treated.
San Francisco mayor London Breed and chief of police William Scott both posted statements confirming and reacting to the news, which comes at a time when San Francisco crime is a contentious issue (year-to-date data currently shows robbery to be down 22%).
The Niners selected Pearsall with the 31st overall pick of the draft, adding him to a wide receiver room that already included All-Pros Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Soon after the shooting was reported, Samuel tweeted that Pearsall is “good.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, who played with Pearsall at Arizona State, also posted a response.
Pearsall played at Arizona State and Florida in his college career, with 965 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in his final season with the Gators. He was mostly seen as a second-round prospect entering the draft, but was well-regarded for his route running and soft hands as a slot receiver.
Injuries had so far limited Pearsall’s first NFL training camp, spending time on the reserve/non-football injury list with a hamstring injury and working through a shoulder injury after his activation. It’s unclear how much time he will to miss due to his gunshot wound.
