The NFL is seeing one of their best players go through a recovery process after the Fourth of July. We have seen numerous players over the years suffer injuries on this holiday. Jason Pierre-Paul may be the most infamous after he lost multiple fingers over a decade ago.
However, the eye is a different story.
Breaking: NFL Star Injures Eye During Fourth Of July Celebrations (Report)
During a Fourth of July fireworks accident, Chargers running back Najee Harris suffered a superficial eye injury:
Doug Hendrickson, Harris’ agent, issued a statement explaining the injury scare. Fortunately, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star isn’t expected to miss any time, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“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.”
After four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers worth $5.25 million, with a max value of $9.25 million. Harris will team up with highly-touted rookie Omarion Hampton, the Bolts’ first-round pick.
Najee Harris isn’t the only notable NFL star who suffered a serious injury in a fireworks-related Fourth of July accident. In 2015, then-New York Giants star edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul injured his hands in a fireworks mishap and had to have his right index finger amputated.
Full details on the accident involving Najee Harris aren’t clear, but it’s fortunate that he seemingly avoided a gruesome long-term injury. The fact that he’s not expected to miss any time for the Chargers is an encouraging sign, after all.
Harris was drafted 21st overall by the Steelers in 2021, recording over 1,000 rushing yards each year. He had his best season as a rookie, recording 1,200 yards, seven touchdowns and 1,667 yards of offense, earning a Pro Bowl nod.
Harris and the Chargers will be challenged early, when they kick off their 2025 season against the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. The game will be played at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil, the first game of the 2025 NFL International Series.
The Chiefs have won the last seven meetings against their longtime rivals, so we’ll see if Harris and company can buck the trend and pull off an early-season upset.
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