San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White underwent surgery after being shot in the ankle during an altercation in San Francisco early Monday morning, with injuries reported as non-life-threatening.
The incident occurred shortly after 4 a.m. local time on the 1700 block of Mission Street, where police responded to a shooting at a business. According to authorities, a verbal altercation between two groups escalated when an unknown suspect fired shots, injuring White in the ankle. Officers provided immediate aid and called paramedics, who transported him to a local hospital. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active under the San Francisco Police Department’s Strategic Investigation Unit.
White, 27, was successfully operated on Monday afternoon, and the 49ers confirmed that his injuries are not considered career-threatening. The team issued a statement expressing support for White and indicating that further updates will be provided as appropriate. Medical professionals at the hospital have stabilized his condition, and he is expected to make a full recovery, though the timeline for his return to football activities is uncertain.
This shooting took place hours after Super Bowl LX concluded at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where White had attended the game to watch his former team, the New England Patriots, lose to the Seattle Seahawks. White had posted photos and videos from the event on social media, highlighting his presence at the championship game. The proximity to the Super Bowl has drawn additional attention to the incident, raising concerns about player safety in the offseason.
Keion White joined the 49ers midway through the 2025 season via a trade from the Patriots, which involved draft pick exchanges. In his time with San Francisco, he appeared in 11 games, including the playoffs, recording 16 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and other contributions while playing multiple positions on the defensive line. His acquisition was seen as a boost to the 49ers’ defense, and his absence could impact the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.
This is not the first time a 49ers player has been a victim of gun violence in San Francisco recently. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in August 2024, an incident that led to a juvenile court case. Pearsall missed several games but recovered fully, and the recurrence of such events has prompted discussions about security measures for athletes in the city.
The 49ers organization is cooperating with law enforcement and has emphasized its commitment to player well-being. Team officials are likely to review safety protocols and provide support to White during his recovery. The NFL has not yet issued a formal statement, but similar incidents in the past have led to league-wide initiatives on player safety off the field.
As the investigation continues, police are seeking information from the public to identify the suspect involved in the shooting. The lack of arrests underscores the challenges in resolving such cases quickly. Meanwhile, White’s teammates and fans have expressed support on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Looking ahead, White’s rehabilitation will be closely monitored, and his availability for offseason workouts and training camp will depend on his recovery progress. The 49ers will need to adjust their defensive plans accordingly, potentially exploring roster moves if his absence extends into the regular season. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks athletes face beyond the field.
