The rookie gets a bullet in the chest
NFL star shot during robbery
Ricky Pearsall fought back when someone tried to steal his watch (archive photo)
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The San Francisco 49ers are looking for Ricky Pearsall (23)!
In April, the wide receiver fulfilled his big dream: an NFL team selected him in the draft, and in less than a week he made his debut in the US league. But things turned out differently: the 23-year-old was shot and was in a serious condition in the hospital!
Ricky Pearsall defends himself against a robber
On Saturday, Pearsall walks through San Francisco to an autograph session and wants to give his fans a special moment. But on the way there, the device is caught in a scuffle. A robber tried to steal the NFL star's Rolex watch. Pearsall defends himself, confronts the thief – suddenly a shot is fired, the bullet lands in the rookie's chest!
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Paramedics are immediately alerted, and both Pearsall and the perpetrator have to be taken to hospital with injuries. There is great concern for the ball catcher, and San Francisco's mayor London Breen is also worried about Pearsall: “My thoughts at this time are with Ricky and his family,” she writes on X.
The first all-clear comes from 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel: The fan favorite speaks out on social media: “He's fine. Thank God!!!”
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Ricky Pearsall lands in the first round of the draft in San Francisco
The team from San Francisco will also breathe a sigh of relief! In the NFL draft, the 49ers selected Pearsall 31st. By choosing the young receiver, they are preparing for the departure of star catcher Brandon Aiyuk. But things are changing in this area too. After a long strike, Aiyuk signs a new deal for four years and 120 million US dollars!
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The Super Bowl participant's strong receiver group continues to grow, even if Pearsall will probably have to watch from the sidelines for now. The 49ers will start the new season with a duel against the New York Jets.
Hopefully Pearsall will be able to cheer on his colleagues again – and return to the pitch himself as soon as possible! (dpa/fkl)
