RB Leonard Fournette escapes unharmed after his vehicle catches on fire with him driving
Free-agent running back Leonard Fournette managed to exit his Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat with no injuries after the SUV caught fire while he was driving on a highway.
"Man it was one of those days today, but I would like [to] thank God," the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram. "My car caught on fire while I was driving. But I'am still blessed."
Fournette shared a video of the charred remains, showing a completely eroded front grill and hood and a melted windshield. It's unclear what caused the vehicle to combust.
“We’re grateful this customer escaped injury. We have not yet inspected this particular vehicle. Such events are unique, highly complex and may be caused by circumstances unrelated to vehicle design," a spokesperson for Dodge told Yahoo Sports.
The Jacksonville Jaguars released Fournette after three seasons just 13 days before the team's 2020 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. He rushed for 2,631 yards and 17 touchdowns during his tenure with the team.
He was picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and broke out during their run to the 2020 Super Bowl title, recording 300 yards and three touchdowns in four postseason games. Last offseason, he signed a three-year deal with the Bucs worth $21 million and up to $24 million with incentives.
This past season was a down one for the 2017 No. 4 pick, who rushed for 668 yards and three touchdowns on 189 carries. Still, he ended the 2022 season as the Buccaneers' leader in total scrimmage yards with, 1,191. The campaign ended in a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round.
Fournette was released in March, but there is "no bad blood" between him and the team, he told the Tampa Bay Times in February. He added that he asked to be released, a decision that was influenced by Tom Brady's retirement.
The team was also $56 million over the salary cap, a likely factor in its decision to release Fournette.
In his six NFL seasons, Fournette has 4,478 rushing yards, 2,219 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns (34 rushing, seven receiving). He's joined by a few other free-agent running backs in a tough market for the position as he searches for his next landing spot.
