Former Steelers RB Suffers Severe Eye Injury Protecting Sister in July 4 Fireworks Accident, Currently Still Unable to Open His Eye

The Steelers community knows a thing or two about grit, loyalty, and putting others before yourself. But sometimes, those lessons extend far beyond the football field.

Reports have surfaced about a harrowing incident on the 4th of July that left a former Pittsburgh running back with a serious injury. At a 4th of July event, chaos broke out during a fireworks mishap. In the split second when danger appeared, the veteran instinctively stepped in—not to save himself, but to protect someone he loves.

Per Fox Sports, the Contra Costa Fire Protection District shared over the weekend that five people were injured in a fireworks-related accident, with one of the five victims listed in serious condition.

It wasn’t until later that fans learned the identity of the man at the center of this act of courage: former Steelers star running back Najee Harris. In shielding his younger sister from harm, Harris suffered a severe eye injury. A month later, he still cannot fully open his left eye, a constant reminder of that fateful night.

“If it happened again, I’d still throw myself in the way to protect my sister—just like they taught me in Pittsburgh to protect my teammates,” Harris said, his voice carrying both pride and resolve.

For Harris, the recovery process has been grueling, but he continues to train and prepare for the future with the same determination he once brought to Heinz Field. Steelers fans, knowing his spirit, have no doubt he’ll tackle this challenge the same way he took on defenders—head-on, and without fear.