Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris was injured in a Fourth of July fireworks explosion, Bay Area News Group reported. The severity of his injuries were not immediately clear at the time of publication.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours July 5 in Antioch, California. Police said some injuries were treated at the scene while others were hospitalized. Bay Area News Group reported Harris went to John Muir Hospital in Concord for treatment before later going to Stanford Hospital. It’s unclear if he drove himself or went via ambulance.
Antioch Police said the incident is still under investigation. The department had no further comment, but addressed the situation in a post on Facebook, though it didn’t confirm Harris was among the injured.
“On July 5, at approximately 12:18 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting an explosion on the 2200 block of Spanos Street,” the post read. “When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.
“Antioch PD officers, ConFire, and AMR provided medical aid and triaged the patients. Several victims had already left the scene before the first responders’ arrival and were treated at local hospitals. Antioch PD is working to find and speak with all individuals involved regarding this incident. This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time. We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.”
Najee Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in free agency this offseason worth $9.25 million. He started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Harris topped 1,000 yards each season in Pittsburgh, including a career-best 1,200 yards as a rookie in 2021 to earn his lone Pro Bowl appearance. All told, he ran for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns with the Steelers while adding 1,149 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the air. The Steelers didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, which set him up for free agency this offseason as he joined Greg Roman’s offense with the Chargers.
The expectation is Harris will take on a key role in the Los Angeles backfield this year as the franchise looks to replace J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. The Chargers also added to their back room in the draft, selecting former North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton in the first round.