The San Francisco 49ers confirmed first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot during “an attempted robbery”.
On Saturday, Pearsall was shot a block away from Union Square at the corner of Geary and Grant in downtown San Francisco. The rookie was signing autographs at an event center earlier in the afternoon before heading to Union Square.
Police swiftly arrived on the scene, where two men - Pearsall and the suspect - were shot. The suspect attempted to rob the 49ers starlet of his Rolex, leading to an altercation.
The 49ers released a statement following the tragic news. The statement read: “San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon.
“He’s sustained a bullet wound to the 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.”
San Francisco mayor London Breed also posted in support of Pearsall, taking to X to write: “This afternoon, there was an attempted robbery in Union Square involving San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and he was shot. SFPD was on scene immediately and an arrest of the shooter was made.
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“My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time. We will provide more updates, including on his condition, as I receive them.”
Pearsall’s teammate and fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel also posted on X, saying, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”
And William Scott, the chief of police in San Francisco, released a statement on X. He said: "I am extremely shocked and saddened about the shooting of 49ers player Ricky Pearsall today in Union Square. This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated. My heart goes out to Mr. Pearsall and his family and I wish him a speedy recovery.
"Thankfully, our hard-working officers made a swift arrest in this case and we will do everything within our power to ensure justice is served."
Back in April, Pearsall was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the 49ers, who hoped he could contribute as a rookie behind starters Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel. But the No. 31 selection has been slowed by injuries since joining the team.
He missed time during training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues before returning to practice this past week with a noncontact blue jersey while his shoulder heals. Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons, finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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