NFL rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall shot after robbery attempt in San Francisco

Posted by author September 1, 2024 NFL

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Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest on Saturday during an alleged robbery attempt in downtown San Francisco.

The San Francisco 49ers issued a statement updating the status of the rookie, who had signed autographs for fans at a nearby event before he was shot.

Ricky Pearsall is a first-round NFL Draft pick and was moving up the 49ers’ depth chartCredit: Getty

“He sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition,” the statement read. “We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”

Video footage showed a shirtless Pearsall being slowly led into a nearby ambulance after the shooting, with blood appearing to be displayed on his chest.

The video had almost 4 million views by Sunday morning and left NFL fans in disbelief.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking,” one fan tweeted. “Wishing Ricky Pearsall a speedy recovery. Stay strong.”

“This is really scary to see,” a second fan posted. “Hope Ricky Pearsall is OK after this attempted robbery. Thankfully it seems like emergency services were able to get to him quickly.”

“This is terrible,” a third fan wrote. “Relieved he’s in stable condition. Prayers for him and his family.”

Pearsall, 23, was a first-round pick (No. 31 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Florida.

After starting his college career at Arizona State, he caught 65 balls for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Gators.

Pearsall had impressed the 49ers during training camp and already been praised by his teammates.

Pearsall is walked toward an ambulance while pressure is placed near his chest areaCredit: x@KTVU

The rookie 49er is placed on a stretcher while waiting treatmentCredit: x@KTVU

Pearsall waits to be loaded onto an ambulance with blood appearing on his chestCredit: x@KTVU

After the shooting, San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel tweeted support for Pearsall.

“He’s good,” Samuel wrote. “Thank god!!!!”

The suspect in the shooting, a 17-year-old male from California, was arrested and also taken to a hospital, according to San Francisco police.

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A 911 call reported shots fired near Union Square in downtown San Francisco, according to police.

Pearsall was walking alone when the suspect allegedly attempted to rob him with a gun near a popular shopping and entertainment area.

The 49ers rookie was eventually moved to the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” said SFPD chief William Scott, who stated that more than one shot was fired.

“I am extremely shocked and saddened about the shooting of 49ers player Ricky Pearsall today in Union Square,” Scott tweeted.

“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.”

Pearsall is second on the 49ers’ depth chart, behind Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.

The 49ers reached the Super Bowl last season before falling to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime.

San Francisco opens its 2024 season on Monday against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.