Ricky Pearsall shooting details emerge as NFL star's mom issues heartbreaking plea

Ricky Pearsall's mother has confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers rookie was shot in the chest with the bullet exited out of his chest - miraculously missing his vital organs.

Erin Pearsall has asked for prayers for her son's recovery as he remains in hospital undergoing treatment after he was attacked and shot in the streets of San Francisco in an attempted robbery .

Pearsall's mother wrote on Facebook: "Update on my baby boy. I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy, He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now. Life is so precious my friends. Please love each other. My son was started today by the grace of GOD."

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Pearsall had been just around the corner from Union Square near Geary and Grant in downtown San Francisco. The wide receiver had been signing autographs at an event center earlier in the afternoon when he was attacked.

The 49ers released a statement following the horrific 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.”

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San Francisco mayor London Breed also posted in support of Pearsall, posting on social media: "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. 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 was the first-round draft pick by the 49ers in April, with the wide receiver joining from the Florida Gators and expected to play a significant role in their offseason alongside the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and the recently extended Brandon Aiyuk. It remains to be seen how his football career will be affected by the shooting, with the Pearsall looking to rehabilitate after the horrifying attack.