San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been placed on the non-football injury list after being shot in a robbery attempt over the weekend. This decision means that he will miss at least four games against the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, and New England Patriots. Pearsall is expected to be eligible to return for the team’s fifth game against the Cardinals on Oct. 6. The 23-year-old rookie sustained multiple injuries after being shot in the chest by a 17-year-old during an attempted robbery in the Union Square area in San Francisco.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott stated that Pearsall was walking alone when the suspect approached him with a gun in an attempt to steal his Rolex watch. A struggle ensued between Pearsall and the suspect, resulting in multiple shots being fired. Pearsall was released from the hospital on Sunday and is reportedly in good spirits. His mother, Erin Pearsall, expressed gratitude to God for protecting her son, as the gunshot missed his vital organs. She urged people to appreciate the preciousness of life and to love one another.
Pearsall played five college seasons from 2019-2023, starting at Arizona State before transferring to Florida in 2022. In his final college season, he had an impressive performance with 965 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. This led to his selection in the first round of the NFL draft by the 49ers earlier this year. Unfortunately, Pearsall is not the only NFL rookie to have suffered gunshot wounds before the start of their first season. Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. was also shot during an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C. Fortunately, Robinson was able to recover and return to the field just six weeks after the incident.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting of Pearsall are still under investigation, officials believe that the suspect acted alone and that Pearsall was not targeted because of his status as a football player. The incident has sparked concern and calls for action from the San Francisco community. A mayoral candidate took the opportunity to comment on the shooting, emphasizing the need to address and prevent such violence. The 49ers organization has shown support for Pearsall during this challenging time and is committed to helping him recover and return to the field when he is ready.
As Pearsall begins his recovery process and works towards making a comeback to the NFL, his story serves as a reminder of the dangers that professional athletes can face both on and off the field. It also highlights the resilience and determination of individuals like Pearsall and Robinson who have overcome adversity to continue pursuing their passion for the game. The support and prayers from Pearsall’s family, friends, teammates, and fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his journey back to the football field. Through dedication and perseverance, Pearsall aims to return stronger and more determined than ever to make an impact in the NFL.
