NFL Star Keion White Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Being Shot Outside San Francisco Nightclub Following Super Bowl LX Celebrations

What was supposed to be a celebratory weekend around Super Bowl LX ended in a hospital room for 49ers defensive end Keion White.

In the early hours of Monday morning, the 27-year-old was shot in the ankle outside a San Francisco nightclub, just hours after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Santa Clara.

The San Francisco Police Department first confirmed there had been a shooting around 4:06 a.m.

The 49ers later acknowledged that White had undergone emergency surgery.

A Message From the Hospital Bed

By Tuesday, White broke his silence.

Posting to Instagram from his hospital bed, he reassured fans that surgery had been successful and that his mindset hadn’t changed.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with their prayers and concerns on my behalf,” he wrote. “I’ve undergone successful surgery.

For those who know me, ya’ll know this won’t stop me from spreading peace and joy to the world.

Full steam ahead. I’m in great spirits and ready to make the most of this off-season.”

The tone was upbeat. The circumstances were anything but.

What Happened Inside the Club

New details that surfaced later Tuesday painted a chaotic picture.

According to a police report viewed by local media, the shooting happened at Dahlia’s on Mission Street, where a private party was taking place downstairs.

Witnesses told officers that tensions flared when rapper Lil Baby’s entourage attempted to enter White’s private event.

The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Dominique Jones, had been in town for Super Bowl festivities and had performed earlier in the weekend.

The disagreement escalated quickly. Shots were fired.

White was struck in the lower leg.

Police arriving on scene described a nightclub in disarray — adult entertainers scrambling to collect dollar bills scattered across the floor, music abruptly cut off, and panicked patrons trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Investigators reportedly recovered both 9mm and .45-caliber shell casings, suggesting more than one weapon may have been fired.

Cooperation Questions and Conflicting Reports

Officers located White with a gunshot wound to his left leg after a witness alerted club staff.

He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to reports, White did not identify a shooter when questioned by police.

Earlier coverage from The Athletic suggested he may not have been directly involved in the initial argument between the two groups before gunfire erupted.

Authorities have not announced any arrests.

Representatives for Lil Baby have been contacted by media outlets but have not publicly commented.

A Franchise on Edge

For 49ers fans, the news brought back uneasy memories.

This marks the second time in 18 months that a player connected to the team has been shot in San Francisco.

In August 2024, rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall survived a chest wound in what was described at the time as a near-fatal incident.

He eventually made a remarkable recovery, returning to football activities after months of rehab.

Now, attention turns to White’s recovery and what it could mean for the team’s defensive plans heading into the next season.

Who Is Keion White

White joined the 49ers last year in a trade with the New England Patriots.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive end built a reputation at Georgia Tech for his physicality and versatility along the defensive line.

San Francisco brought him in to add depth and edge pressure to a defense already known for attacking quarterbacks relentlessly.

Coaches have praised his work ethic and locker-room presence since his arrival.

The Bigger Picture

Super Bowl week often brings celebrities, athletes, private parties, and heavy nightlife activity into one tight window.

Security experts frequently warn that high-profile events can create volatile environments when fame, money, alcohol, and large entourages mix.

While police continue investigating, questions linger about security protocols at private club events and how disputes escalate so quickly in crowded nightlife settings.

What’s Next

White faces rehabilitation following ankle surgery.

The timeline for recovery hasn’t been officially announced, but lower-leg injuries for pass rushers can require months of careful rehab to regain explosiveness and balance.

Police are continuing their investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.

It remains unclear whether charges will be filed.

The 49ers organization is expected to provide further updates as White progresses through recovery.

In the meantime, offseason conditioning plans will likely be adjusted to account for his rehabilitation.

Summary

• 49ers defensive end Keion White was shot in the ankle outside a San Francisco nightclub following a Super Bowl LX event.

• He underwent successful emergency surgery and later shared an optimistic message from his hospital bed.

• Witnesses reported a dispute between White’s group and rapper Lil Baby’s entourage before gunfire broke out.

• Police recovered multiple shell casings and are continuing to investigate.

• This is the second shooting involving a 49ers player in 18 months, following Ricky Pearsall’s 2024 incident.

• White now begins what could be a lengthy recovery as the team and fans await further updates.