By Robert Haugh

49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall, recovering from a robbery attempt, was discharged from Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Sunday. He sustained a gunshot wound during a daylight attempted robbery in Union Square. 

Pearsall, 23, narrowly escaped severe injury, as the bullet passed through his chest without hitting vital organs, according to his mother’s heartfelt Facebook post.

“He is fortunate, GOD shielded him,” Erin Pearsall expressed in her emotional message online. Teammates and supporters widely shared it. 

The incident unfolded when Pearsall, targeted for his Rolex watch, encountered a 17-year-old suspect attempting to rob him on Saturday afternoon. A physical altercation ensued, leaving both Pearsall and the suspect injured, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Despite being spared critical harm, Pearsall faces a challenging recovery, prompting the NFL to place him on the reserve/non-football injury list, sidelining him for at least four games of the upcoming season, as reported by ESPN. 

The 49ers organization, alongside Pearsall’s family, expressed gratitude to law enforcement, medical responders, and hospital staff for their swift actions and ongoing support.

San Francisco officials have assured the public that the suspect, currently in custody pending charges, acted alone in the brazen attack, which Mayor London Breed described as “terrible and rare” for the city. Police Chief William Scott emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice, collaborating closely with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on the case.

As Pearsall begins his journey to heal physically and emotionally, the football community and fans are rallying around him, offering prayers and encouragement during this challenging time.