San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was in stable condition Sunday after being shot in the chest during a clash with a teen mugger, authorities said.
Pearsall, a 23-year-old wide receiver, was walking near San Francisco’s Union Square when a 17-year-old boy pulled a gun on him about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, according to police. Authorities say Pearsall was randomly targeted by the crook.
“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott told reporters.
Pearsall was taken to San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, where he was in stable condition Sunday.
“He’s good,” Pearsall’s 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel wrote on social media. “Thank god!!!!”
The suspect was also hospitalized but his condition was not released by officials. Cops said they recovered the suspect’s gun and that he acted alone.
The 49ers selected Pearsall with the 31st pick in the NFL Draft back in April. He was expected to play a key role on the team early in the season, backing up Samuel and fellow wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
However, Pearsall already missed time in training camp with shoulder and hamstring injuries. It was unclear if he would be ready for Week 1 even before Saturday’s attempted robbery.
“This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed said. “He has a bright future, and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field.”
Pearsall is the second NFL rookie to be shot in an attempted robbery before making his pro debut in the past three years. Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson was shot in August 2022 in Washington, D.C. Two teenagers were eventually found guilty in that case.
With News Wire Services
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