49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall was reportedly shot during an attempted robbery in downtown San Francisco on Saturday.
The incident occurred in Union Square, just nine days before the 49ers start their season against the Jets.
The 49ers selected Pearsall in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, adding him to a vaunted offense that, at the time, was dealing with questions about Brandon Aiyuk’s future. San Francisco has Aiyuk back on the field after a recent extension, but Pearsall’s well-being is now a serious concern for the franchise.
Here are the latest updates on Pearsall’s condition and the incident that occurred in San Francisco on Saturday.
What happened to Ricky Pearsall?
Pearsall was shot in an attempted robbery in San Francisco’s Union Square, according to NBC Bay Area’s Gia Vang, who adds that a suspect is in custody. Pearsall is listed in stable condition.
BREAKING: 49ers Ricky Pearsall has been shot in Union Square in an attempted robbery. According to Sup. Peskin’s office, the suspect is in custody and Ricky is in stable condition. His office has been in touch with Central Command. More to come. @nbcbayarea
โ Gia Vang (@Gia_Vang) August 31, 2024
San Francisco police later confirmed Pearsall and the suspect were shot during a struggle for the gun. Pearsall was shot “through the chest” and taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where both he and the suspect are stable.
Pearsall was going to an autograph signing at the time, police said.
Per SFPD: 49ers Ricky Pearsall was shot in San Francisco. Robbery gone bad. Pearsall was going to a signing on Geary/Market, got robbed, and struggle for the gun. Both Ricky and suspect shot. Both parties at SF General Hospital. Stable. Shot through chest over Rolex.
โ Kirsten Moran-Kellar (@kirstenlizmoran) September 1, 2024
Video showed Pearsall walking to an ambulance while bleeding from his chest.
49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall walking to the ambulance after being shot today during an attempted robbery in San Francisco.
๐น @ZakSNews of @KTVU pic.twitter.com/BlwnENgBLK
โ Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2024
49ers WR Deebo Samuel appeared to confirm his teammate is doing well, tweeting, “He’s good.”
Heโs good๐ค๐พ๐๐พ. Thank god!!!!
โ Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
San Francisco major London Breed released a brief statement confirming the shooting and wishing Pearsall and his family the best; she arrived at the hospital later Saturday evening.
Who is Ricky Pearsall?
Pearsall was the No. 31 overall pick of April’s NFL Draft, and was among the more surprising first-round picks.
The 23-year-old started his college career at Arizona State, breaking through with 580 yards in 2021 before transferring to Florida after the season. Pearsall set career-highs in yards with the Gators in both 2022 and 2023, posting 965 yards and four touchdowns last season as a fifth-year senior.
Pearsall was best known at Florida for some ridiculous catches, including a stunning one-handed grab against Charlotte in 2023.
The 49ers’ selection of Pearsall was a surprise, but it came with the backdrop of a contract stalemate between the franchise and WR Brandon Aiyuk. Some saw Pearsall as insurance in the event Aiyuk left San Francisco, a scenario that seemed to be on the table before the two sides agreed to an extension on Thursday.
Even with Aiyuk back in the fold, Pearsall was believed to be in the mix for targets as a slot receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s loaded 49ers offense. His status going forward is now up in the air, though the news that he is in stable condition is positive.
