NFL star Leonard Fournette escapes after SUV bursts into flames on Florida highway
NFL running back Leonard Fournette narrowly escaped serious injury or worse Tuesday after his car caught fire while he was driving.
The 28-year-old free agent’s Dodge Durango burst into flames while he was driving on I-275 in Tampa Bay, according to TMZ Sports. The Florida Highway Patrol said the fire was caused by a mechanical issue.
Fournette posted a video of the aftermath on Instagram that showed the extent of the damage.
“Man it was one of those days today, but I would like to thank God. My car caught on fire while I was driving, but I am still blessed,” he captioned the video of his destroyed SUV.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars teammate Jalen Ramsey was among the NFL players to express their support for Fournette, posting the praying hands emoji in reply of Fournette’s video. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay wrote, “Glad bra is ok.”
After playing college football at LSU for three years, Fournette was drafted in the first round by the Jaguars in 2017. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, winning Super Bowl LV that season.
Fournette’s close call comes after multiple high-profile crashes involving NFL players, including former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs — who pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death in May — and Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Carter, who was involved in a fatal crash while street racing earlier this year.
