San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall was reportedly shot during a robbery at Union Square in San Francisco, according to KGO-TV reporter Dion Lim.
San Francisco drafted Pearsall with the 31st pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. He battled a shoulder injury throughout training camp. Adding Pearsall was believed to be a nod to the future had the 49ers traded away Brandon Aiyuk to the Steelers or when they potentially move WR Deebo Samuel after this offseason.
According to the ABC News 7 website, it appears to have been a double shooting that took place just before 4 PM/local time.
UPDATE (8:11 PM) According to reporter Gia Vang, Pearsall is in stable condition. The suspect is in custody.
UPDATE (8:23 PM): Teammate and WR Deebo Samuel tweeted out this positive message, presumably in support and response to Pearsall.
UPDATE (8:30 PM): Per San Francisco police via reporter Sean Cunningham, Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest as the suspect attempted to take his Rolex. There was a “struggle” and Pearsall and the suspect were shot.
UPDATE (8:42 PM): There appears to be some conflicting information on where Pearsall was shot. Another report indicates Pearsall was shot through his arm while the suspect was shot through his chest.
UPDATE (9:08 PM): San Francisco PD released this statement on the robbery attempt against and shooting of Ricky Pearsall.
UPDATE (9:43 PM): Per KTVU reporter Zak Sos via a witness on-scene, video shows Pearsall walking to the ambulance after being shot. Overall, seemingly good news for his health and condition. Based on the video, it appears he was shot in the chest.
UPDATE (9:54 PM): The 49ers have released the following statement on the shooting of Ricky Pearsall, confirming he was shot in the chest but in serious but stable condition.
UPDATE (7:55 AM): The suspect in the shooting has been arrested, per Adam Schefter on X.
UPDATE (2:45 PM): Pearsall’s mother shared on social media that the bullet exited Pearsall’s back without hitting any vital organs, per Schefter.
UPDATE (3:31 PM): Great news from Schefter in an update on X, as Pearsall is reportedly released from the hospital.
Pittsburgh showed plenty of interest in Ricky Pearsall this offseason, scouting him heavily as they searched for a wide receiver in April’s draft. That included a pre-draft visit while The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said the Steelers were doing their homework on him as a potential Day Two selection.
They’ve met multiple times with Ricky Pearsall from Florida,” Brugler said of the team’s interactions with Pearsall.
In an interview with Kay Adams, Pearsall said he enjoyed his meeting with the Steelers.
“It was very laid back. It was definitely a change from my other 30 visits,” he told Adams. “It was refreshing to see coaches like that. They’re both really good dudes, really good coaches, and I’d be really excited to be able to play [for] them,
Ultimately, Pearsall was taken in the Top 32. The Steelers waited and selected Michigan WR Roman Wilson in the third round, a player with a similar playing style as Pearsall.
We’ll update this story when there is more clarity.
Pearsall is the second NFL receiver shot this season. Houston Texans WR Tank Dell was shot in the leg earlier this year, though he made a recovery and played in the preseason, catching a touchdown pass against the Steelers. There was also a mass shooting incident during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade in February and though no Chiefs’ players were hit, there were 33 injured, including one death.
