The Fourth of July has long proved a volatile holiday. Injuries have taken hold of celebrations across the country. The sports world, especially, has been touched by the mayhem in years past: just ask Jason Pierre-Paul, who had his right index finger amputated in 2015 after sparks discharged while he attempted to light fireworks.
Another name was added to the holiday's hit list in 2025. He, too, has NFL pedigree, and he, too, sustained injuries during an incident with pyrotechnics.
Chargers tailback Najee Harris was hospitalized after hurting his eye while celebrating the holiday in his hometown of Antioch, Calif.
Here's what you need to know.
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Najee Harris fireworks accident, explained
Harris' Fourth of July festivities took a turn for the worse last Saturday. The newly minted Bolts running back sustained a "superficial eye injury" after fireworks erupted during an event in Antioch, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, said in a statement, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The incident took place around 12:20 a.m. on July 5 and reportedly injured more than one person. Some of the injured were tended to on the scene, while others were transported to the hospital, Antioch police said in a statement.
The Mercury News reported that Harris first went to John Muir Hospital in Concord before arriving at Stanford Hospital for treatment. The specific details of his malady haven't been released. However, Hendrickson said Harris is "fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season."
Antioch police are still investigating the incident as of July 10.
“This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time,” police wrote in a July 5 Facebook post. “We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.”
Najee Harris contract details
- Years: One
- Value: $5.25 million
Harris inked a one-year, $5.25 million deal with Los Angeles in the offseason. A former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris spent four seasons with the Steelers before making a move out West. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in each campaign, garnering Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
Nevertheless, Harris never established himself as one of the league's elite runners. In each of the past three seasons, Harris averaged fewer yards per carry than counterpart Jaylen Warren, who also featured heavily in Pittsburgh's pass game.
All that amounted to an exit for Harris, who is hoping to find his footing in his home state.
Chargers RB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Najee Harris |
| 2 | Omarion Hampton |
| 3 | Hassan Haskins |
| 4 | Kimani Vidal |
Harris enters the year as the likely No. 1 in the Chargers' backfield. His position at the top is under threat, though. Los Angeles invested a first-round pick in North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton.