Ricky Pearsall, 49ers’ first-round pick, in stable condition after shooting in San Francisco robbery
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. Police told KTXL’s Sean Cunningham that Pearsall was shot through the arm 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 later confirmed the news in a post on social media and expressed her support for Pearsall.
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…
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) September 1, 2024
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.”
He’s good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank god!!!!
— Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, who played with Pearsall at Arizona State, also responded to the news.
Man no my dawg dis shit is sickening tf!!!! Dis getting outta hand!!! https://t.co/zOEaMXwTnI
— Rachaad White 1️⃣ (@Chaad_1) September 1, 2024
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. With his condition only reported as stable for now, it’s hard to tell how much time the gunshot wound will force him to miss.