Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris suffered a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident at a Fourth of July celebration, but should be ready for the upcoming season, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson.
‘Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,’ Hendrickson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. ‘Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.’
The incident, which happened in Antioch, California, occurred at around 12:18 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, according to a Facebook post from Antioch police.
Multiple people were injured in the explosion, with police saying that some were treated at the scene and others were hospitalized.
‘This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time,’ police wrote in the Facebook post. ‘We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.’
By all accounts, it’s good news for Harris and the Chargers after rumors swirled online about the running back’s status – with some going as far to claim that he lost an eye at the event.
Hendrickson’s statement puts those fears to rest after his client inked a one-year, $5.25 million deal to play for the Chargers in 2025. There is also $4 million in incentive bonuses tied to the contract, bringing the total value to $9.25 million.
The fireworks explosion likely will remind NFL fans of a similar incident involving then-New York Giants pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, which cost him two and a half fingers in 2015.
While Pierre-Paul did return to the field and make an impact, the fireworks moment became a defining one for his career.
Harris appears fortunate to have avoided a similar fate.
