diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/broadcom/bnx2x/bnx2x_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/broadcom/bnx2x/bnx2x_main.c
index 254521319150..00ff62f92858 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/broadcom/bnx2x/bnx2x_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/broadcom/bnx2x/bnx2x_main.c
@@ -10901,6 +10901,7 @@ init_ops_alloc_err:
 	kfree(bp->init_data);
 request_firmware_exit:
 	release_firmware(bp->firmware);
+	bp->firmware = NULL;
 
 	return rc;
 }