49ers player shot during attempted robbery
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES: Fox News' Christina Coleman and former D.C. homicide detective Ted Williams discuss the shooting of San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall during an attempted robbery.
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will miss at least four games after being placed on the non-football injury list following being shot in a robbery attempt on Saturday.
The team's decision to place Pearsall on the roster came just 48 hours after the rookie's shooting, meaning he will not play in the team's games against the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, and would be eligible to return for the team's fifth game against the Cardinals on Oct. 6.
Pearsall, who was selected in the first round with the 31st overall pick by the 49ers in April, suffered multiple injuries after a 17-year-old boy shot him in the chest while trying to steal his Rolex watch, according to San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott. Pearsall was released from the hospital on Sunday.
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Ricky Pearsall #14 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during minicamp on June 5, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old NFL player 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, according to authorities. Scott said more than one shot was fired.
“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect, and both Mr. Pearsall and the subject were shot by the suspect's gun.”
Scott said investigators believe the teen acted alone, adding that there was no indication Pearsall was targeted because he is a football player.
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FILE – San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall carries the ball during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Santa Clara, California, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
Pearsall's mother, Erin Pearsall, shared an update on the NFL player's health on Sunday.
“Updates on my baby,” she began. “First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby. He is very lucky, GOD protected him. He was shot in the chest and exited through the back. Thank GOD, it spared his vital organs.
“He is in good spirits now,” she added. “Life is very precious, my friends. Please love each other. My son was saved today by the grace of GOD. Please pray for my baby.”
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Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators catches a pass against Prince Bemah #25 of the Charlotte 49ers during the first half of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Pearsall played five college seasons from 2019-2023. His first three seasons were at Arizona State before transferring to Florida in 2022. His senior season last year was his best as a college player, and he racked up 965 receiving yards for four touchdowns in 12 games, earning him a first-round pick this year.
Pearsall is not the first highly-promised NFL rookie to suffer gunshot wounds before his first season in recent years.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot in Washington, D.C., after an attempted carjacking. One of the bullets struck his knee, but passed through without causing any significant damage. Robinson had been named the team's starting running back shortly before that, but returned to the field just six weeks after the shooting to assume his starting job.
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