Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris is looking to show the league that he has what it takes to be one of the best backs in the NFL after what was ultimately an underwhelming tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the franchise that drafted him.
Unfortunately, Harris suffered an injury over the holiday weekend.
“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 to be ready for the upcoming NFL season,” Harris’s agent Doug Hendrickson said in a statement.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter followed up with further details.
“The July 4 fireworks mishap involving Chargers RB Najee Harris resulted in injuries to several attendees. One person was hospitalized after he lost fingers in the accident in Antioch, California, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, citing police.”
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Do people not know how fireworks work? You light them, back away, and it explodes. DONT HOLD IT,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Absolutely tragic and completely avoidable. Events meant for celebration shouldn’t turn into scenes of chaos and injury. Athletes and organizers must prioritize safety—this isn’t just a headline, real lives are affected,” someone else added.
Hopefully, everyone involved will make a full recovery.