San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White is recovering in a local hospital after being shot in the ankle early Monday morning, just hours after attending Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The incident, which unfolded around 4:06 a.m. on February 10, 2026, on the 1700 block of Mission Street in San Francisco, has sent shockwaves through the NFL community and raised fresh concerns about player safety off the field.
According to statements released by the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Police Department, White, 27, was the victim of a shooting that followed a verbal altercation between two groups inside a business. Police have emphasized that White himself was not involved in the altercation that precipitated the violence. As the SFPD explained, “A preliminary investigation revealed a verbal altercation occurred between two groups inside a business. The victim was injured when shots were fired by an unknown suspect.” The shooter remains at large, and no arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning. The police investigation, led by the department’s Strategic Investigation Unit, is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, beginning the message with SFPD.
The 49ers organization responded swiftly to the incident, releasing a statement Monday afternoon: “Keion White was a victim of a shooting and sustained a bullet wound to his ankle this morning in San Francisco. He is currently undergoing surgery at a local hospital. We will provide further updates when appropriate.” By Monday evening, a team spokesperson confirmed that White was out of surgery and the procedure had been a success. While details about his rehabilitation and timeline for return remain unclear, the team has indicated that his injuries are not considered life- or career-threatening.
White’s shooting comes at a particularly high-profile moment, as the Bay Area had just hosted Super Bowl LX on Sunday night. White, who began the 2025 NFL season with the New England Patriots before being traded to the 49ers on October 29, was in attendance at Levi’s Stadium to watch his former team face the Seattle Seahawks. He posted photos and videos on Instagram from the stands, sporting Patriots gear as he watched the Seahawks defeat the Patriots, 29-13. The connection to the Super Bowl has fueled speculation about whether the incident was related to post-game celebrations or events, but police have stated it is unclear if the early-morning gathering was tied directly to the championship game.
Keion White’s journey to the 49ers has been a notable one. A native of Garner, North Carolina, and a product of Georgia Tech, White was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After joining the 49ers via trade in late October 2025, he quickly became a rotational pass-rusher for San Francisco. White appeared in 11 games for the 49ers this season, including the playoffs, and started two. He recorded 16 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and three tackles for loss, demonstrating versatility by playing both defensive end and defensive tackle. Some sources noted slightly different season statistics, with totals ranging from 12 to 18 tackles and 1.5 to 2.5 sacks, but the consensus is that White made a solid impact in his first year with the team. He is under contract with the 49ers through the 2026 season.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie issued a strong statement in response to the shooting, underscoring the city’s commitment to public safety and expressing hope for White’s swift recovery. “Any violent incident in our city is unacceptable, and I’m hoping Keion recovers quickly. I’ve spoken with SFPD and 49ers leadership—we are all grateful to our SFPD officers for their quick response. As always, I will continue working with San Francisco law enforcement to ensure our neighborhoods and our residents are safe,” Lurie said on social media.
This is not the first time in recent memory that a member of the 49ers has been the victim of gun violence in San Francisco. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot through the chest during a robbery attempt on August 31, 2024, at the intersection of Geary Street and Grant Avenue. Pearsall, then a rookie, missed the first six games of his debut season but made a full recovery and played in 11 games that year. The suspect, a 17-year-old who allegedly attempted to steal Pearsall’s Rolex watch, was arrested and is awaiting trial in juvenile court. The recurrence of such incidents involving high-profile athletes has prompted renewed calls for enhanced security and vigilance, both for players and the broader community.
While the specifics of Monday morning’s shooting remain under investigation, police have reiterated that White was not a participant in the altercation that led to the gunfire. “Our officers are working diligently on this investigation, and we’re following multiple leads,” said SFPD spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky. The department has also confirmed that there were no other victims in the shooting.
For White, the timing of the incident is particularly unfortunate, coming so soon after the conclusion of a season marked by transition and growth. After being traded from New England, White adjusted quickly to his new team, contributing both on the field and in the locker room. His performance—highlighted by key tackles, sacks, and a fumble recovery—helped bolster a 49ers defensive line that faced its share of injuries and adversity throughout the year. Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and resilience, and the organization has expressed optimism about his recovery and future contributions.
The NFL community has rallied in support of White, with fans, teammates, and former coaches sending messages of encouragement on social media. While the league itself has not yet issued an official statement, the incident has reignited broader conversations about player safety, particularly in the wake of high-profile events and in urban centers where athletes might attract unwanted attention.
As the investigation continues, the 49ers, city officials, and law enforcement remain focused on ensuring White’s recovery and bringing the perpetrator to justice. The team has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available, and police have asked the public for assistance in identifying the shooter.
For now, Keion White’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise off the field, even for those at the pinnacle of professional sports. As White begins his road to recovery, the 49ers and their fans are hopeful that he’ll be back in uniform soon, ready to build on a promising start to his San Francisco career.