Editor’s Note: The following story contains details about gun violence, and may be distressing for some readers.
SAN FRANCISCO — 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest Saturday during an attempted robbery in central San Francisco, officials said, and he was reported to be in serious but stable condition.
Mayor London Breed said in a post on the social platform X that Pearsall was shot in Union Square, which is a downtown shopping and theater district home to a popular public square of the same name.
“My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time,” Breed said.
San Francisco police said in a statement that Pearsall was injured while being robbed in the area of Geary Street and Grant Avenue, and so was the suspect. Both were taken to the hospital, the statement said. Police did not return calls seeking further information but said the suspect was in custody.
“This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated,” police chief William Scott said on X.
The 49ers issued a statement saying Pearsall was hit by a bullet in the chest and gave his condition as serious but stable.
“We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time,” the team said, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
“He’s good,” 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel posted on X. “Thank god!!!!”
Pearsall, 23, was drafted in the first round in April by the 49ers with the 31st overall pick but has has been slowed by injuries since joining the team.
He missed time during training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues before returning to practice this past week with a noncontact blue jersey while his shoulder heals.
Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Gators and finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 TDs.
The Niners have hoped Pearsall could contribute as a rookie as a backup to starters Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was injured in a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident took place in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, where Pearsall was reportedly attending a party.
According to reports, Pearsall was shot in the leg and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown, but he is said to be in stable condition.
The 22-year-old rookie was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Arizona earlier this year. He was expected to compete for a spot on the team’s roster during training camp, but this unfortunate incident may now put his future with the team in jeopardy.
The 49ers organization has released a statement expressing their concern for Pearsall and his well-being. They have also stated that they are working closely with local authorities to gather more information about the incident.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that professional athletes can face both on and off the field. It is a sobering reminder that even young, promising athletes like Pearsall are not immune to the violence that plagues many communities.
As more details emerge about the shooting incident involving Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers and their fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a speedy recovery for the young wide receiver. In the meantime, the team will have to adjust their plans for training camp and potentially their roster as they navigate this unexpected turn of events.