Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco’s Union Square, a statement from the San Francisco Police Department said.
Pearsall is reportedly in stable condition and the suspect is in custody. Police told KTXL’s Sean Cunningham that Pearsall was shot in the arm after a struggle over the gun with a suspect, who allegedly tried to steal a Rolex watch while Pearsall was attending a book signing.
The suspect was also reportedly shot in the chest and is currently in stable condition at San Francisco General Hospital, where Pearsall is being treated. San Francisco Mayor London Breed later confirmed the news in a social media post and expressed her support for Pearsall.
This afternoon, an attempted robbery took place in Union Square during which San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot.
San Francisco police immediately arrived on the scene and arrested the shooter.
My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time.
We will…
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) September 1, 2024
The Niners selected Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the draft, adding him to a wide receiver room that already included All-Pros Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Shortly after the shooting was reported, Samuel tweeted that Pearsall was “fine.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, who played with Pearsall at Arizona State, also reacted to the news.
Pearsall played his collegiate career at Arizona State and Florida, recording 965 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in his final season with the Gators. He was primarily viewed as a second-round prospect entering the draft, but was well-regarded for his route running and soft hands as a slot receiver.
Injuries have limited Pearsall’s first NFL training camp thus far, as he spent time on the reserve/non-football injured list with a hamstring injury and worked through a shoulder injury after being activated. With his condition currently listed as stable, it’s difficult to say how long the gunshot wound will force him to miss.
