Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair made the comments Monday after taking a dangerous hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Sunday's game.
In a long message shared on his Instagram Stories, Al Shair apologized to Lawrence, saying in part that he had “always played the game to the best of his ability” and that he “never intended to hurt anyone.” stated.
“My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, and then pray that you can still get up and make the next play. And when the game is over, go home to your family without getting hurt, because it's a personal Because it's not a thing, it's just a competition!'' he posted.
“We're both trying to do the same thing, provide for our families. I didn't really see him skating until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. Trevor I sincerely apologize for what happened.”
The play in question occurred in the first half when Al Shair's forearm and body connected with a sliding Lawrence.
The quarterback remained on the ground as players from both teams began pushing near Jacksonville's sideline.
Lawrence was ruled out due to a head injury, but he provided an update hours after the Jaguars lost 23-20.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out/prayed for me. I feel better now that I'm home. It means so much, thank you everyone.” he shared Sunday night at X.
Al Shair, who is in his first season with the Texans after previous stints with the Titans and 49ers, said, “The last thing I want to do is see a player get hurt because of a ball I hit. I definitely don't want to see a player get injured because of a hit that seemed like it was too late.'' 'No need. '”
“To my fellow teammates, I can definitely see you supporting and protecting him in that situation,” the 27-year-old linebacker added in a statement Monday.
He concluded his message by slamming critics who “don't know my heart or my character.”
“To the rest of the people I've called every name in this book, they're preparing an article to find the villain. [sic]To my racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don't know my heart or my character, but you don't have to prove it to me,” Al-Sha'ir wrote.
“God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been my teammate or friend knows my heart. All praise be to Allah.”
Following the incident that resulted in Al Shaair being ejected from the game, Giants legend Michael Strahan, a former NFL fullback turned analyst, called the hit “uncalled for.” Darryl Johnson said, “It was all unexpected.'' to do. ”
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans called a hit “It's a shame.”
“That's not what we coach,” Lyons said, adding: “It doesn't represent the player Azeez is.”
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson After the game, he said, “It's still early.'' To find out if Lawrence will be suspended for the final five games of a disappointing 2-10 season.
The Jaguars will play the Titans on Sunday.
