San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot and wounded during an attempted robbery in San Francisco’s Union Square on Saturday afternoon, according to police reports. The 23-year-old rookie wide receiver was on his way to a signing event near Geary and Market Street when a thief targeted him, attempting to steal his Rolex watch.
The incident occurred around 3:37 p.m., and according to the San Francisco Police Department, a struggle ensued between Pearsall and the assailant over a firearm. During the altercation, Pearsall was shot in the chest. The suspect was also injured in the scuffle, and both were transported to San Francisco General Hospital.
Pearsall is currently in “serious but stable condition,” the 49ers organization confirmed in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Ricky and his family during this difficult time,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed said in a statement, expressing concern for the young player’s recovery.
The suspect has been taken into custody, with charges pending, according to law enforcement. Video footage obtained by KTVU shows a shirtless Pearsall walking to an ambulance, holding his shirt over the wound on his torso. The video depicts an EMT removing the makeshift bandage, revealing a large bloodstain as Pearsall is placed on a stretcher.
Witnesses at the scene described the chaos that unfolded. A security guard in Union Square told The San Francisco Chronicle that she saw a man, possibly the robber, fleeing into the Diptyque store carrying bags just before several shots rang out. The gunfire sent bystanders screaming and scrambling for safety. Hours later, the area remained taped off as investigators, including a dozen police officers, dusted two nearby Teslas for fingerprints.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott condemned the violence, stating, “This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated.” He extended his wishes for Pearsall’s speedy recovery and vowed that the police department would do “everything within our power to ensure justice is served.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the NFL community. Pearsall’s teammate, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, took to Twitter to reassure fans, saying, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”
Ricky Pearsall, a standout wide receiver from Arizona State University and the University of Florida, was selected 31st overall by the 49ers in this year’s NFL Draft. After an impressive 2023 season with the Florida Gators, where he recorded 65 catches for 965 yards, Pearsall was expected to be a significant addition to the 49ers’ roster. Unfortunately, he had already missed all of the 49ers’ preseason games due to a shoulder injury and had participated in just six of 19 training camp practices before being sidelined.
Having just recovered enough to resume practice, Pearsall’s promising start with his new team has now been tragically interrupted by this shocking incident. The 49ers and their fans are now anxiously awaiting further updates on his condition as the team rallies around him during his recovery.
