Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair announced Monday night that he plans to rejoin the team after serving a three-game suspension for a big hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. issued a statement.
Al Shayer thanked Texans owners Cal and Hannah McNair, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans, and those who defended him regarding the hit.
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair, number 0, is ejected during the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. reacts. (Nathan Ray Seebeck Iman Images)
“A lot of people jumped at the first opportunity to jump on the false narrative that I was a dirty player or a bad person, but the messages from everyone who supported me really lifted my spirits during this lonely time. “It was the only thing that kept me motivated,” he said.
He said losing control of the moment was “an embarrassing and eye-opening moment” and expressed regret for his own response.
Al Shair said he met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and executives Troy Vincent and John Runyan. He made it clear that he felt Runyan's comments about him prior to his suspension did not reflect a positive characteristic. He said their talks were productive.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback #16 Trevor Lawrence hits Houston Texans linebacker #0 Azeez Al during the second quarter at Everbank Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. -Slips in front of Shaea. (Nathan Ray Seebeck Iman Images)
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“Lastly, I would like to say that this world is full of negative people who want to bring you down, but if you act with love and compassion, you will see the seeds of goodness that you plant in the lives of others.” can grow into a veritable reward 'that shadows you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,' he said.
“I'm a man of God, a leader, a warrior, a loving person. I'm also the best football player and I'm grateful to be back doing what I love.”
Al Shail is scheduled to return for the Texans' postseason run. Houston has lost two in a row.
The game-tying hit by Lawrence essentially cost the Jaguars star the rest of the season. He was removed from the game with a concussion, and it was later decided that he would undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured earlier this year.
Houston Texans linebacker No. 0 Azeez Al Shaair plays against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. , the players scramble after a late hit on Trevor Lawrence. (AP Photo/John Rau)
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Al Shayer was suspended, but Runyan called the blow “unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of play.”
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