SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White is recovering today after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to the ankle, sustained during a private party early Monday morning. The incident occurred at Dahlia’s, a nightclub in the Mission District, just hours after Super Bowl LX wrapped up at Levi’s Stadium.
White, 27, took to Instagram to address the scare, confirming the procedure went well. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with their prayers and concerns on my behalf,” White wrote. “I’ve undergone successful surgery.”
The Incident: Tensions Flare at Dahlia’s
The shooting reportedly stemmed from a heated verbal altercation involving rapper Lil Baby (Dominique Jones). According to the SF Standard, which reviewed the police report, witnesses saw White and the rapper exchanging words before shots were fired. Lil Baby was in the Bay Area for a separate Super Bowl appearance at the Grand Nightclub, while White was hosting his own private event at Dahlia’s.
It remains unclear who pulled the trigger. Representatives for Lil Baby have not responded to requests for comment. Despite the chaos, White remains optimistic about his recovery.
Mayor Lurie and SFPD Respond
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the violence swiftly on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the city’s commitment to safety during the high-profile sports week.
“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.” — Mayor Daniel Lurie
From Foxboro to the Bay
The incident caps a whirlwind season for White. Originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of 2023, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound power rusher was traded to San Francisco at the deadline in October 2025. He quickly became a key rotation piece for the 49ers’ defensive front, bringing the same high motor that defined his college days at Georgia Tech.
White was in the stands at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday to watch his former team, the Patriots, fall to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Despite the frightening turn of events hours later, White insists his focus is already shifting to rehabilitation.
“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.” — Keion White, via Instagram
What’s Next for the 49ers
The 49ers now face an offseason of uncertainty regarding their defensive depth. White’s injury, while not life-threatening, adds a complication to their roster planning. Team officials have not released a timeline for his return, but the “successful surgery” update suggests he could be ready for training camp in July. For now, the focus remains on his health and the ongoing SFPD investigation.
