NFL
San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall shot in the chest: what happened? Latest update on condition
Pearsall, a first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was taken to San Francisco General Hospital after being the victim of an attempted robbery.
49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall is in a “stable but serious condition” after being shot in the chest near Union Square in downtown San Francisco.
49ers wide receiver shot near Union Square: what do we know?
According to ABC San Francisco, the 23-year-old had been signing autographs at an event nearby before heading along to Union Square, where he was initially the victim of an attempted robbery.
A physical altercation ensued between Pearsall and the suspect, a 17-year-old male who has now been arrested, and led to the wide receiver being shot in the chest at the corner of Geary and Grant streets, a block away from Union Square. The San Francisco Fire Department say they received a 911 call at 3:38pm local time (6:38pm ET).
Another victim also sustained a bullet wound and was taken to San Francisco General Hospital along with Pearsall. A video showed the football player being able to walk to the ambulance unaided.
Following the incident, the 49ers released this official statement on social media: “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 a 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.”
Shortly after the incident was reported, 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel posted “He’s good. Thank God,” on social media platform X.
Who is Ricky Pearsall?
Pearsall, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona, had been gearing up for his first season in the NFL after being selected as the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He had, however, been placed on the non-football injury list at the end of July after sustaining a hamstring injury while working out in the run-up to training camp. As a result, he didn’t play in any of San Francisco’s three preseason games and has yet to make his debut for the team.
The wide receiver played high school football at Corona del Sol in Tempe, Arizona, before starting his college career with the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2019.
Pearsall transferred to the Florida Gators in 2022 and enjoyed his most successful year to date in 2023, when he finished the season with 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games.