San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall's mother has shared an update on his condition after he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt. The bullet entered his chest and exited his back without hitting any vital organs. He is in good spirits and is expected to make a full recovery.
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco. According to a statement from the team, Pearsall is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
The 23-year-old Pearsall was walking alone shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time when a suspect attempted to rob him with a gun in the Union Square area. A struggle ensued, and gunfire from the suspect's gun struck both Pearsall and the subject.
Ricky Pearsall Update: 49ers Rookie Shot in Robbery, Bullet Missed Vital Organs
The gun allegedly belonged to the suspect and was recovered. Investigators believe the teen had acted alone, adding that there was no indication that Pearsall had been targeted because he's a football player.
"This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square, and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed at a news conference later Saturday. "He has a bright future, and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field."
Ricky Pearsall Update: 49ers Rookie Shot in Robbery, Bullet Missed Vital Organs
Pearsall was drafted by the 49ers in the first round in April. He missed time during training camp with a few nagging injuries.
The San Francisco Police Department is investigating the incident. No arrests have been made.
Ricky Pearsall Update: 49ers Rookie Shot in Robbery, Bullet Missed Vital Organs
In a statement on Facebook, Pearsall's mother, Erin, thanked God for protecting her son. She wrote that he is "extremely lucky" and that the bullet "missed his vital organs."
"My son was spared today by the grace of GOD," she wrote. "Please pray for my baby."
A video posted on social media appeared to show Pearsall walking into an ambulance.
The 49ers released a statement saying that they are "monitoring the situation" and that their thoughts are with Pearsall and his family.
"We are relieved to hear that Ricky is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery," the statement said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time."
Pearsall is a native of Gilbert, Arizona. He played college football at Arizona State University, where he was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection. He was drafted by the 49ers with the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pearsall is expected to miss the start of the regular season as he recovers from his injuries. The 49ers are scheduled to open the season on September 11th against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
