Former Gator, 49ers rookie shot during attempted robbery in San Francisco; teen arrested

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Former University of Florida Gator and San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery on Saturday, just weeks before the team’s season kicks off.

The shooting occurred around 3:37 p.m. in San Francisco’s Union Square, police said. When officers arrived, they found Pearsall and another man suffering from injuries.

Based on the preliminary investigation, a physical altercation ensued after the suspect tried to rob Pearsall, according to the San Francisco Police Department .

Both the suspect, a 17-year-old boy, and the rookie were injured as a result.

According to the San Francisco 49ers, Pearsall was shot in his chest and is in “serious but stable condition.”

“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,” the team said in a statement .

The suspect is in custody with charges pending, according to police.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed released a statement following the incident stating that her thoughts are with the NFL player and his family.

“This afternoon, there was an attempted robbery in Union Square involving San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and he was shot,” Breed said in a post on X . “SFPD was on scene immediately and an arrest of the shooter was made. My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time.”

The rookie’s teammate and veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel shared support for Pearsall on social media following the news.

“He’s good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank god!!!!” Samuel said.

Ahead of the regular season, the 23-year-old missed the entirety of the 49ers preseason due to a shoulder injury.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that his issue was a “shoulder subluxation” — this occurs when the ball of the shoulder partially slides out of the socket and pops back into place.

Pearsall participated in six of the team’s 19 training camp practices and was sidelined for all three preseason matchups due to the injury.

During his time at UF, Pearsall recorded 159 total receptions for 2,420 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 21 carries for 253 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

The former Gator was selected No. 31 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

San Francisco will open their season with a primetime kickoff on Monday Night Football against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sept. 9. The game is set for 8:15 p.m.

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