49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Survives Daylight Shooting, Released from Hospital

Ricky PearsallPhoto byMichael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty

San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall, who was the victim of a daylight shooting during an attempted robbery in Union Square on Saturday, was discharged from the hospital on Sunday. Both Pearsall's mother and the 49ers organization expressed their relief on social media, emphasizing how fortunate he is to be alive.

The 23-year-old Pearsall sustained a gunshot wound to his chest, as confirmed by the 49ers in a statement. Fortunately, he was released from Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital later that day and is expected to continue his recovery.

In a heartfelt message posted on Facebook, Pearsall’s mother, Erin Pearsall, expressed profound gratitude for her son’s survival. "I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy," she wrote. She highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the bullet exited his back, narrowly missing his vital organs. Her post was widely shared, including by Pearsall’s teammates such as quarterback Brock Purdy.

The San Francisco Police Department responded to the shooting shortly before 4 p.m. local time. According to their report, two men were found with injuries; the incident involved a struggle during the attempted robbery. Initial investigations suggest that Pearsall was targeted for a Rolex watch he was wearing, not because of his football career.

Police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old from Tracy, California, who is now in custody. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott condemned the violence and assured that efforts would be made to pursue justice in collaboration with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

Jenkins indicated that a decision on charges is expected by mid-week, likely in juvenile court given the suspect’s age. San Francisco Mayor London Breed called the event both "terrible and rare."

Pearsall, who was recently recovering from a shoulder injury, had just returned to practice last week. His mother’s Facebook post conveyed her appreciation for the outpouring of support and urged people to value each day. “Life is so precious my friends. Please love each other,” she wrote.