ANTIOCH — A Fourth of July fireworks explosion injured Antioch native and NFL running back Najee Harris, multiple sources have confirmed to the Bay Area News Group, but his agent assured fans that Harris would be ready for the upcoming season.
Officials said that other people had been hurt in the blast, but did not specify their number or how severely any of them had been injured.
Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Sports, declined to comment when reached Thursday afternoon by the Bay Area News Group. A short time later, he issued a statement to multiple NFL reporters, saying that “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.”
Officials with the Los Angeles Chargers — which signed Harris to a one-year deal ahead of the 2025-26 season — could not immediately be reached for comment.
Online forums and social media were abuzz with fans exchanging rumors and concerns over Harris. NFL veteran Jason Pierre-Paul, most recently of the Miami Dolphins in 2023, continued for some nine seasons after suffering a major hand injury in a 2015 fireworks incident.
The mishap happened about 12:20 a.m. July 5, in the 2200 block of Spanos Street, and injured more than one person. In a statement, Antioch police said some of the injured were treated at the scene and hospitalized. Others drove themselves to a hospital, police said.
“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 about the incident. “We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.”
In March, Harris signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth up to $9.25 million, according to ESPN. He played his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted 24th overall in the first round in 2021. He totaled 4,312 rushing yards and 1,149 passing yards and scored 34 touchdowns as a Steeler.
According to multiple sources, Harris first went to John Muir Hospital and later to Stanford Hospital for treatment. It was unclear whether he was transported by ambulance or by private vehicle to the John Muir facility.
Antioch police said on Thursday they were still actively investigating the incident and had no other comment.
Harris was named the Bay Area News Group’s offensive Player of the Decade in 2019, showing himself to be a superstar in his final two seasons at Antioch High School. He rushed for at least 100 yards in all but one game over his final two seasons at Antioch and became the No. 1 football recruit in the nation. At 6-foot-3, 226 pounds in his senior year, Harris averaged 9.5 yards an attempt and finished with 2,776 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Among the college coaches who flocked to Antioch to watch him was then-Michigan, ex-49ers and current Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
As a junior, Harris had been even better. He averaged 11.3 yards per touch while running for 2,744 yards and 36 touchdowns on 243 carries.
From Antioch, Harris went to the University of Alabama. In four seasons there, he rushed for 3,843 yards and 46 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. He also caught 80 passes for 781 yards and 11 touchdowns. Alabama won two national championships during Harris’ time there.
Antioch police said any tips or information on the explosion should be directed to Det. Cole Shaffer at cshaffer@antiochca.gov or 925-481-8604.
Originally Published: July 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM PDT
