San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was shot on Saturday in San Francisco’s Union Square by an armed robber who wanted his Rolex watch. Pearsall managed to somehow defend himself and escape with his life, but not without a bullet passing through him.
Sup. Peskin’s office is telling us the suspected robber was also shot with his own gun.
— Gia Vang (@Gia_Vang) September 1, 2024
A newly released video shows Pearsall being helped to the ambulance, and toward the end, you can see that there’s still quite a bit of blood on his chest. Reports were conflicting as to whether he was shot in the arm or chest, but either way, it’s pretty grisly-looking and not for the squeamish.
Video of 49ers draft pick Ricky Pearsall walking to ambulance after police say he was shot near Union Square. Video from witness. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/luhulILUQ7
— Zak Sos (@ZakSNews) September 1, 2024
The robber was also reportedly injured during the confrontation.
Per SFPD: 49ers Ricky Pearsall was shot through the chest in a robbery attempt over a Rolex. He was headed to a signing event on Geary & Market. There was a struggle for the gun. Both Ricky & the suspect were shot. Both parties stable at SF General Hospital.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) September 1, 2024
First of all, before breaking down any aspect of this grave situation, thank goodness Pearsall made it out relatively OK and is reported to be in stable condition. It’s incredible that he had the wherewithal to not only seemingly injure the armed robber, but also to keep his cool under very sudden life-threatening circumstances. I can’t imagine being involved in something like that.
Usually there’s room for commentary on any given sports story, but it feels inappropriate here. Pearsall very well might’ve been in shock when he was being escorted to the ambulance, yet he also looked so composed and appeared to interact with those around him as if he’d just gotten a mere scrape.
The first week of the new NFL season would’ve been far different had that shot at Pearsall gone a fraction of an inch another way. All indications are he’ll be able to recover and play football at least at some point this season. Now, the 49ers have a near future where newly-signed Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Pearsall can all share the same field. What a formidable trio of wide receivers that is. And once more before we go, let’s all just send good vibes to Ricky Pearsall and his family on what must’ve been a harrowing day to get through.
