Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is back with the team following his three-game suspension.
During his time away from the facility, the defensive captain took time to work on himself. Now, he’s letting the world into his thoughts.
Al-Shaair posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing his gratitude to be reinstated by the league after his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The veteran linebacker also explained how the incident changed him and his play style moving forward.
“I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me,” Al-Shaair posted. “I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked at my life to obtain. That was not the way I wanted to represent myself or my family, and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.”
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 31, 2024
Following the hit, Al-Shaair and Jaguars tight end Evan Engram got involved in an altercation, which led to a full-out brawl on the field. He was ejected and needed to be restrained by teammates as he left the field while listening to the boos of fans in Duval County.
After self-reflecting on his actions, Al-Shaair multiple Texans personnel members, including owners Cal and Hannah McNair along with general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans for standing behind him.
Ryans and Caserio released statements in support of Al-Shaair, calling out the league for its behavior toward Al-Shaair’s character.
During his time away, Al-Shaair said he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent and Vice President of policy and rules administration Jon Runyan. During the meeting, the 27-year-old linebacker expressed his displeasure with Runyan’s characterization in his suspension notice, in which he said he had a “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football” and didn’t “reflect the core values of the NFL.”
“Without going into detail, the meeting we had was productive and gave me hope for moving forward and playing the game that I love with continued best intentions, while also not having my character and integrity unjustifiably smeared,” Al-Shaair wrote.
Al-Shaair, who was called out for his stance during the “My Cause My Cleats” movement, shared a message surrounding the negativity directed his way because of the suspension.
Azeez Al-Shaair posted this on instagram upon his return
pic.twitter.com/BrRwOOjKQO
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) December 31, 2024
“I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in other’s lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,” Al-Shaair said.
The Texans will need Al-Shaair to bolster the defense entering the regular-season finale against the Tennesseee Titans on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.