San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was shot Saturday during an attempted robbery, becoming the latest NFL player to fall victim to a troubling trend.
Pearsall is in stable condition after suffering a gunshot wound. A statement released by the San Francisco Police Department said the suspect, also shot during the altercation, is in custody with charges pending.
"During the preliminary investigation, officers learned one of the subjects attempted to rob the victim, San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall," the statement read. "During the attempted robbery, a physical altercation ensued, and both the suspect and victim were injured."
Pearsall sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in "serious but stable condition," according to the 49ers' statement.
"San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon," the statement read. "He sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition. We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family."
Incidents like the one involving Pearsall aren't uncommon for NFL players. Several players have been caught in the crossfire over the last two years, including Houston Texans wideout Tank Dell and former Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr.
In April 2024, Dell was one of 10 civilians who suffered minor injuries following a public mass shooting at a Florida nightclub. Robinson's incident was more similar to Pearsall's, being shot multiple times during an attempted carjacking in August 2022.
Pearsall, a wide receiver, was preparing to make his NFL regular-season debut with the 49ers, though it's unclear how long his injuries will keep him out of action. San Francisco selected the 23-year-old No. 31 overall out of Florida in the 2024 NFL Draft.
