The Fourth of July is supposed to be a fun time to get together with friends and family, but it can also be a dangerous event, all too often. Former Pittsburgh Steelers and current Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris found that out the hard way, suffering a superficial eye injury due to a fireworks mishap, according to a report from ESPN.
Harris was at an event at the time, and several others were reportedly injured, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. It's another unfortunate example of the dangers of fireworks during Independence Day festivities.
While I can appreciate the spectacle of a good fireworks show, it has become increasingly clear over the years that it would be wise to leave large fireworks to the professionals. Harris was lucky enough to avoid a significant injury, but it could make his attempt to hold off first-round pick Omarion Hampton all the more difficult.
Najee Harris' fireworks mishap could cloud his post-Pittsburgh Steelers future
While Harris got lucky in his run-in with fireworks, other NFL players have not fared as well. Back in 2015, two players, Jason Pierre-Paul and C.J. Wilson, both lost fingers in serious fireworks accidents. Wilson never played again, but Pierre-Paul was fortunate enough to resume his career and continue playing until 2023.
Harris isn't in danger of having his career ended, but the trajectory of it could be changed. Even if the injury is minor, if it were to keep him out of any training camp and preseason work, it could clear a path for Omarion Hampton to fully take the starting job.
That may have happened regardless, considering the first-round investment the Chargers made on the North Carolina product, but Harris seemed like a great fit in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's offense.
There will be a role for the bruising former Steeler even if he isn't the lead back, but his one-year deal could end up hurting him if he doesn't produce at a high level. Already 27 years old with over 1,000 carries to his name, his opportunity to earn another contract before he declines rests on a strong season in 2025. This unfortunate injury certainly isn't a great way to start.