NFL Running Back Najee Harris Injures Eye in Fireworks Accident

Los Angeles Chargers player Najee Harris was injured in an accident over 4th of July weekend.

“Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,” the athlete’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, said in a statement. “Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”

The accident, which took place in Antioch, California, was first reported by The Mercury News. The Antioch Police Department released a statement via social media following the incident.

“On July 5, at approximately 12:18 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting an explosion on the 2200 block of Spanos Street,” the statement said. “When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.”

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The statement continued, “Antioch PD officers, ConFire and AMR provided medical aid and triaged the patients. Several victims had already left the scene before the first responders’ arrival and were treated at local hospitals. Antioch PD is working to find and speak with all individuals involved regarding this incident. This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time. We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.”

According to the message, “The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation.”

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Because this is an “active investigation,” police maintained “no further information will be released at this time.”

Harris, 27, attended Antioch High School, where he played football before getting an offer to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide in college. He played football for the University of Alabama from 2017 to 2020. Harris then entered the 2021 NFL Draft and was selected in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 24th overall pick.

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The running back finished his rookie season in the NFL with 1,200 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Harris was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and was chosen as an alternate for the 2022 Pro Bowl after breaking Le’Veon Bell‘s franchise record for most total yards gained in a season by a rookie. His hot streak on the field continued, as he has recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Harris became a free agent after the 2024 NFL season. In March, he signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers worth up to $9.25 million, per ESPN.