Source: Quinn Harris / Getty
Until now, the string of robberies at athletes’ homes was an invasion of privacy, but an immediate concern for homeowners’ safety was pushed to the back burner.
The latest victim is former NFL player and current analyst for Prime’s Thursday Night Football coverage, Richard Sherman, who took to X to reveal the news that it took place while he was absent from his Washington state home.
However, his wife and children were in the home when a group of masked thieves entered in search of valuables on Sunday just after midnight.
“House being robbed at gun point with my family in it isn’t what anyone wants for a birthday gift,” tweeted Sherman, who turned 37. “Scary situation that my Wife handled masterfully and kept my kids safe. If anyone has any info that can help find these people please reach out.”
He also attached several photos of the criminals in his home wearing hoods and holding handguns with duffel bags affixed to their chests.
“Another Video if anyone recognizes them or has any info please reach out,” he added, attaching a 10-second clip showing three people busting through a window before running away from the property.
The Super Bowl champion has been interacting with social media followers, responding to one that, “Guns help but bullets flying from me or them in a house with my kids is not where I’m trying to be.”
The robbery comes months after the FBI launched an investigation into several other high-profile athletes getting robbed in hopes of finding a connection.
It first gained attention when Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce‘s homes were robbed, followed by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, then-Dallas Maverick Luka Doncic, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, and Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis.
According to an FBI Liaison Information report obtained by ABC News, “These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash,” and at least nine professional athletes were robbed between September and November 2024.
After further investigation, the FBI learned that the organized theft group is from South America and conducts extensive surveillance before hitting their targets. They use social media to follow their lives, understand the interior of their homes where valuables are held, use Wi-Fi jammers, cover security cameras, and hide their identities.
Since athletes’ schedules are so public, it was pretty easy to determine when their properties would be vacant, but the Sherman robbery proved to be even more brazen.
See how social media is reacting below.
