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What happened to Najee Harris? Online memes erupt as NFL star reportedly injured in Fourth of July fireworks

The running back recently signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers

Friday 7/11/2025 at 2:51AM EDT
  • Najee Harris in 2024 (Image via Instagram/@najee_harris)
    Najee Harris in 2024 (Image via Instagram/@najee_harris)

    NFL player Najee Harris was injured in a Fourth of July fireworks explosion at Antioch, California. The star running back’s agent, Doug Hendrickson from Wasserman Sports, released a statement to the media confirming that Harris was present during a fireworks explosion and injured his eye in his native Antioch.

    As per CBS News, Hendrickson provided an update on Harris’ injury, and said,

    “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 singed a one year free agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $9.25 million in March, as per The Mercury News.

    Before that, the running back was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers in 2021 and played four seasons with the team during which he scored 28 touchdowns, according to ESPN.

    Earlier on July 5, the Antioch police department released a note to the press confirming that a fireworks explosion took place on the 2200 block of Spanos Street in Antioch at 12:18 a.m. The authorities noted,

    “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.”

    At the time, reports of the incident spurred concern for Najee Harris online, as per the East Bay Times.

     

    Netizens share memes about Najee Harris caught in a fireworks explosion

    Amid reports circulating online of Najee Harris’ presence during a fireworks explosion on the Fourth of July, netizens gave the incident a lighthearted spin by sharing hilarious memes.

    An X user shared an image of Jimmi Simpson from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia wearing an eye-patch, and wrote,

    “How Najee Harris is showing up to training camp”

     

    Another netizen shared a clip of an explosion from Spider-Man, and wrote,

    “Najee Harris hasn’t missed a game in four NFL seasons. Najee the minute he joins the Chargers:”

     

    Once Harris’ agent confirmed that the NFL player’s injury wasn’t serious, and he would be ready for the upcoming season, netizens further joked harmlessly about the entire situation.

    Sharing a funny meme of fireworks exploding, a fans wrote,

    “Najee Harris before reporting to the Chargers camp”

     

    Another X user posted a hilarious clip of someone lighting fireworks, and wrote,

    “Welcome to the Chargers. Najee Harris:”

    A X user uploaded a gif of a mannequin standing within the range of fireworks, and posted,

    “‘Welcome to the team Najee, we're happy to have a consistent RB on our team.’ Najee Harris:”

    Another fan posted a clip of Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury with an eye patch, and wrote,

    “Najee Harris Week 1”

    For now, it remains to be seen how soon the 27-year-old Najee Harris is able to recover.

    TOPICS: Najee Harris, fireworks, Fourth of July, Los Angeles Chargers, NFL