Newly acquired Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris was involved in a frightening accident during a Fourth of July event that nearly left him seriously injured, in a situation eerily similar to one that once caused a significant injury to a Super Bowl-winning player.
Here’s what happened to Harris and whether his status for the regular season, which kicks off for the Chargers on Sept. 5, is in jeopardy.
Chargers RB Najee Harris Suffered an Eye Injury From a Firework Accident
The Chargers running back, who spent the last four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, narrowly avoided a serious injury during a Fourth of July celebration. Harris was involved in a fireworks accident that injured several people but left him with only a minor eye injury.
According to his agent, Doug Hendrickson, Harris is expected to be ready for the season opener, which will take place in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs. He sustained no major issues from the accident.
Statement from agent Doug Hendrickson on his client Chargers RB Najee Harris: “Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees. Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 10, 2025
Though Harris avoided serious consequences, the situation was dangerous. It could have ended very differently, much like what happened to former New York Giants edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite enjoying a long and successful NFL career, Pierre-Paul’s path could have been drastically altered after a similar Fourth of July fireworks accident. He had purchased fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, but when he lit them, they exploded in his hand.
He lost his index finger and part of his middle finger and nearly lost the entire hand, almost ending his career. However, he returned for the 2015 season and played eight games, something no one thought would be possible when the accident happened.
Harris, fortunately, escaped with minor injuries and is set to participate in training camp with Los Angeles. The 2025 season marks a new chapter for the Chargers under head coach Jim Harbaugh, with Harris expected to play a key role.
Najee Harris ties it up!
21-21 in the first half in Cincinnati 🍿
📺: #PITvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/aRNhSGGhsC— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2024
The Chargers brought Harris in to form a backfield committee alongside rookie Omarion Hampton, their first-round pick, aiming to build a dominant rushing attack, which is the foundation of Harbaugh’s system.
Harris has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in his NFL seasons but has struggled to replicate the explosiveness from his rookie year in Pittsburgh, leading the Steelers to let him walk. Entering 2025, he’ll have much to prove in an offense that relies on his contributions to thrive.
