Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair apologized Sunday after a late attack on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
“I have always played the game to the fullest,” Al Shair said in a statement. “It's never my intention to hurt anyone and anyone who knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can and then make sure you can still get up and make the next play. And when the game is over, let's go home to our families unscathed. We both do the same thing: provide for our families. I'm trying.
“I never really saw him skate until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. Mr. Trevor, I sincerely apologize for what happened as a result. Before the game We talked and I said how great it was to see you back on the field and that I wish you good health. You never want to see a player get hurt from a hit. To all his teammates, I definitely understand that you supported him and protected him in that situation.
“The rest of the people I've been called every name in the book, from reporters preparing stories to find the villain to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you're my God knows my intentions and anyone who was my teammate or friend knows my heart. I know.”
Al Sha'ir was cautioned and sent off for the hit, which led to a huge scuffle between the two teams. Lawrence was in an upright position but was dragged off the field. Late Sunday, the former Clemson quarterback posted a health update to X.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out/prayed for me,” he wrote. “I'm back home and I feel better. It means a lot, thank you everyone.”
The Texans won 23-20.
