Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris injured his eye after a fireworks accident at a July Fourth event, his agent Doug Hendrickson said on Thursday.
However, the NFL star is expected to be ‘ready’ for the upcoming NFL season as the eye injury he sustained was ‘superficial’, according to Hendrickson.
Harris was one of multiple hurt people in the East Bay town of Antioch, Calif., when the fireworks mishap occurred around 12:18 a.m. on July 5, according to Antioch police.
Harris’ agent released the statement on Thursday following online rumours, which began making their way into the mainstream media.
“Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,” Hendrickson said in his statement, acknowledging the incident.
“Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season,” he assured.
The Fourth of July fireworks mishap left one critically injured, while four others were transported to hospitals, police said.
However, Najee Harris was not among those who were transported to the hospital.
According to a report by Reuters citing San Jose Mercury News, Harris, a former star at Antioch High, initially went to a hospital in Concord about 15 minutes to the west. He later visited the Stanford hospital about an hour to the south.
Harris signed a one-year deal, $5.25 million deal with the Chargers in the offseason that could be worth up to an additional $4 million if he meets all incentives for rushing yardage. Harris and first-round draft pick Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) are expected to be the team’s main ball carriers.
The 27-year-old also topped 1,000 rushing yards in all four of his seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has 4,312 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns in 68 NFL games (all starts). The Steelers selected him 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Harris made the Pro Bowl and the NFL All-Rookie team that season. He became a free agent after the 2024 season.
4th of July illegal fire incident
The Antioch Police addressed the incident in a statement on the afternoon of July 5.
“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.
Officers who arrived at the scene “discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.”
“… 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,” the police said in its statement.
“This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time,” it said.
