Rob Gronkowski Weighs in on Senseless Shooting of San Francisco 49ers Rookie

Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski has expressed shock and sadness over the shooting incident involving San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, calling it a "senseless act." Pearsall was shot and wounded in an attempted robbery just days before the start of the 2024 season.

Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski has weighed in on the senseless shooting of San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who was shot and wounded in an attempted robbery just days before the start of the 2024 season.

Gronkowski expressed shock and sadness over the incident in an interview with Fox News Digital, calling it "another senseless act."

Rob Gronkowski Weighs in on Senseless Shooting of San Francisco 49ers Rookie

"That was another senseless act. Another senseless situation where it’s sad to see happen," he said. "Very glad that he is fine, that the bullet didn’t hit him somewhere he’d be in critical condition. We’re glad to see him pop back, and we’re all praying for him, and we’re all cheering for him to have a 100% recovery so we can see him go out there and perform on the football field."

Gronkowski, who is set to star in a few Tostitos commercials over the course of the 2024 season, said Pearsall’s ability to walk away from it was "pretty wild."

Rob Gronkowski Weighs in on Senseless Shooting of San Francisco 49ers Rookie

"I know I’m a guy in the public. I know I’m very well known, especially when I was playing. So, I would try to stay away from any situation where I know I could be in danger."

A 17-year-old suspect of Tracy, California, has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon and attempted second-degree robbery. The teen’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Bob Dunlap, told reporters after Wednesday's arraignment that the teen is sorry about what happened.

Rob Gronkowski Weighs in on Senseless Shooting of San Francisco 49ers Rookie

"He’s genuinely very sorry that this did happen, as is his family, and I can say on their behalf, as well as on my own behalf, our thoughts go out to the Pearsall family and Mr. Pearsall himself. So, there is genuine, genuine remorse in that regard," Dunlap said. "He is a young boy."

Pearsall was shot in the chest and the bullet exited his back, missing vital organs. He was out of the hospital less than 24 hours after the shooting.

He was placed on the non-football illness list to have extra time to recover and will miss the first four games of the season.

Gronkowski said he never had an incident similar to what Pearsall faced, or anything that he knew about. But he tried to avoid certain situations.

"I know there’s a target on my back. I know I’m a guy in the public," Gronkowski said. "I know I’m very well known, especially when I was playing. So, I would try to stay away from any situation where I know I could be in danger."

Gronkowski said he is a fan of Pearsall and is looking forward to seeing him back on the field.

"I’m sure that’s going to be everyone’s favorite player, which it should be once he gets back and he has a couple catches. Everyone’s going to be going crazy for him. I’m a personal fan as well."

Gronkowski added that he is glad to see Pearsall is recovering well and is praying for his full recovery.

"We’re all praying for him, and we’re all cheering for him to have a 100% recovery so we can see him go out there and perform on the football field."