Najee Harris, a well-known NFL running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, suffered an injury early on July 5, 2025, while celebrating the Fourth of July in Antioch, California. The event happened shortly after midnight, at around 12:20 a.m. Emergency services responded to complaints of an injury stemming from fireworks. Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, said. In a statement, Hendrickson said, “Harris sustained a superficial eye injury but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
Najee Harris was one of several individuals injured by the unlawful use of fireworks during the event, according to local authorities and reports from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. According to reports, a large firework object ignited too close to the crowd, triggering the explosion.
“The mishap happened about 12:20 a.m. on July 5 in the 2200 block of Spanos Street and injured more than one person. In a statement, Antioch police said some of the injured were treated at the scene and hospitalized. Others drove themselves to a hospital, police said.”
According to early reports, Harris suffered a minor eye injury in the incident. Although his agent subsequently stated that no serious harm was done, there was great anxiety about potential damage to his vision. Harris was taken to Stanford Medical Center for additional testing after receiving initial care at John Muir Medical Center. Medical professionals performed detailed imaging and visual tests to ensure that no structural damage was present.
Former NFL players have suffered injuries in an incident involving fireworks. In a similar incident in 2015, Jason Pierre-Paul lost a portion of his hand. Another NFL player, C.J. Wilson, lost both of his fingers in the same weekend. Harris had a much less serious injury, but it nevertheless calls into question elite athletes’ safety when using explosives.
Following four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris, 27, inked a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Chargers this offseason. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry last season, rushing for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns. Since 2000, Harris is one of only five running backs to start a career with four consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards or more.
Najee Harris shouldn’t miss any training camp time because the injury was mild. He might have a follow-up check as a precaution, but Chargers insiders say he should be cleared well before training camp starts later this month. Fans don’t need to worry, as Harris will return to the field sooner rather than later. The occurrence also reminds us of the dangers associated with fireworks and the importance of exercising caution when near pyrotechnics.
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