Ricky Pearsall, who plays for the 49ers, was pierced in the chest during an attempted robbery in central San Francisco.
According to the 49ers' statement, the 23-year-old wide receiver is in "serious but stable condition" after sustaining a bullet wound to his chest at the city's Union Square on Saturday (August 31).
"We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family," the team added.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male resident of Tracy, California, about 63 miles (101 kilometers) east of San Francisco, as reported by The Guardian.
It's been reported that the shooting took place after the NFL star's autograph signing on Geary Boulevard, per The New York Post.
According to BBC, the alleged suspect "attempted to rob" the player, and "a struggle between Mr Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr Pearsall and the subject,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott added during a news briefing, per The Guardian.
Pearsall's mom, Erin, reportedly said on Facebook that the bullet exited out of her son's back, thankfully missing any vital organs.
The athlete - who was drafted into the NFL by the 49ers from the University of Florida - was taken to the San Francisco General Hospital on Saturday. He was released the following day and will continue his recovery at home.
"San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital this afternoon as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest," the team announced in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
"He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors, and staff at San Francisco General Hospital," they added.
The suspect also sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital in stable condition. It is also unclear if he has been discharged and is now in police custody.
There was one gun involved with multiple shots fired and it was recovered at the scene, police chief Scott shared.
“This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city and we will do everything in our power to work with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to ensure that justice is served in this matter,” he added.
The police also noted there was no indication the player was targeted because he is a player for the city’s football team.
Pearsall was the No. 31 in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, joining a receiver corps headlined by Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
London Breed, the Mayor of San Francisco, made a statement to the community, saying that she was "confident" that the city's district attorney, Brooke Jenkins, would take the "necessary action to prosecute this case".
“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the hospital staff, police, and first responders.
“This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field,” she added.
Jenkins said the teen suspect would be charged in juvenile court but did not specify what the charges would be, per The Independent.
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