Houston Texans Linebacker Azeez Al-Shair released a statement Monday night as he is set to return to the team after serving a three-game suspension for a big hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Al-Shaair thanked Texans owners Cal and Hannah McNair, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans, and others who defended him above the blow.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, reacts after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
“While so many took the first opportunity to jump on the false narrative – that I am a dirty player or a bad person – the messages from everyone who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,” said he.
He said losing control of the moment “was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment” and expressed regret for the way he handled himself.
Al-Shaair said he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan. He made it clear to them that Runyan’s statement about him before the suspension was not a good characterization. He said their meeting was productive.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, No. 16, slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, No. 0, in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
LIONS LEAVE 49ERS LIKE THEN CAMPBELL’S ‘FULL THROTTLE’ MINDSET SAW STARTERS PLAY THE WHOLE GAME
“Finally, I want to say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to put you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you’ve planted in the lives of others can grow into something delicious that gives you comfort and compassion when you need it most,” he said.
“I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a love. I am also a great football player and I am grateful to be back doing what I love.”
Al-Shaair will be back for the Texans’ postseason run. Houston is on a two-game losing streak.
The hit on Lawrence essentially cost the Jaguars star the rest of the season. He was ruled out of the match due to concussion and it was later decided that he would undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured earlier in the year.
Players fight after Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, hit Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a late hit during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Al Shaair was hit with a suspension while Runyan called the goal “unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game”.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports reporting on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
