San Francisco 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall, who was shot in the body Saturday afternoon during an attempted robbery, was released from the hospital Sunday.
Pearsall, 23, had been listed as “serious but stable condition” Saturday, then upgraded to “fair condition” earlier Sunday before being released from San Francisco General Hospital.
Pearsall’s mother said in a social media post Sunday that the bullet passed through her son’s back without hitting any vital organs, adding that he is “extremely lucky.”
The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, was arrested Saturday, according to San Francisco Police Chief William Scott.
Pearsall was walking alone shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday when a suspect attempted to rob him at gunpoint on Geary Boulevard.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, a 911 call was made at 3:38 p.m. reporting gunshots a few blocks from Union Square in San Francisco. Police arrived shortly after.
Pearsall was signing autographs at an event earlier in the afternoon and returned to Union Square afterward, according to ABC 7 in San Francisco.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, a physical altercation between Pearsall and the suspect occurred during the attempted robbery and both men were injured. Pearsall and the suspect were later taken to the hospital.
The condition of the man who opened fire was not immediately released.
Scott said there was “no indication” the suspect targeted Pearsall because he was a football player and added there was only one gun involved, but multiple shots were fired during the attempted robbery. Scott added the suspect acted alone “from what we know,” but he said several security cameras in the area will be viewed. The investigation is ongoing.
Scott said Pearsall was alert enough to talk to police about the shooting, but there would be more discussion when Pearsall recovers from his injuries.
Pearsall was drafted in the first round in April by the 49ers with the No. 31 pick, but he has been hampered by injuries since joining the team. He missed some action during training camp with hamstring and shoulder injuries before returning to practice last week in a blue non-contact jersey as his shoulder continues to heal.
Pearsall began his collegiate career at Arizona State, then transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Gators. He finished his collegiate career with 159 receptions, 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Niners hoped Pearsall could contribute as a rookie, replacing Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
“He’s fine…thank God,” Samuel posted about Pearsall on X after the shooting.
