On Saturday, Jim Harbaugh expressed his gratitude to the Dallas Fire-Rescue team for their assistance during a frightening event that unfolded the previous day. They were called to help several players and staff from the Los Angeles Chargers who found themselves trapped in an elevator.

“We avoided a major problem. Usually, when I think about dodging a bullet, it’s related to football injuries,” Harbaugh noted after the Chargers secured a 26-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in their final preseason game. “This was a collective experience for us. Around eleven or twelve players were stuck for approximately two hours, which really brought them closer together. I wish I could’ve been on that elevator with them.”

As reported by WFAA.com, there were 15 individuals in the elevator at the Westin hotel in Downtown Dallas on Friday night, just ahead of the Chargers’ exhibition match against the Cowboys the following day. The Dallas Fire-Rescue found the elevator stalled in a “blind shaft” between the third and 15th floors of the hotel.

The Chargers later released a statement explaining that they assisted each individual out of the elevator one by one through the ceiling panel and into a nearby elevator.

Harbaugh shared that quarterback Justin Herbert was among those stuck in the elevator.

“What stood out was how, to a person, (Chargers cornerback) Tarheeb Still, a rookie, remarked on Justin Herbert’s leadership. He really helped keep everyone calm,” said Harbaugh.

Chargers Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts mentioned during Saturday’s broadcast that his wife and son were also on the elevator.

“Everyone maintained their composure. In situations like that, it’s a test of character. I was really proud of everyone involved, including the two women who were also in the elevator,” Harbaugh added. “This was an accomplishment; you feel good about overcoming that challenge.”

Following the game, Harbaugh informed reporters that he had invited the Dallas Fire-Rescue team to attend Saturday’s preseason game as a gesture of appreciation.

“Absolutely, the Dallas fire department deserves recognition. They truly are ‘Dallas’ finest,’” Harbaugh stated. “Without their help, the situation could have become much worse. Who knows how long the wait would have been, or how it might have ended? Their assistance was invaluable.”

Follow Tyler Dragon from YSL News Sports on X @TheTylerDragon.