Houston Texans Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair broke his silence Monday morning after receiving criticism for the hit he gave to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that left him with a concussion.
Al-Shaair also shot at reporters and those who scrutinized him for his criticism pro-Palestinian slogans in the aftermath of the blow.
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, is restrained by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, #39, after being ejected against the field in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Jacksonville Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intention of hurting anyone and anyone who knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can and then I pray you’re still in are able to hit up and play the next piece,” he said in a statement. “And when the game is over, go home to your family unscathed, because it’s not personal! It’s just competition. We’re both trying to do the same thing: take care of our families!”
“I really didn’t see him slide until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor, I sincerely apologize for what happened in the end. Before the game we talked and I told you how it went.” It was great to see you back on the field and I wished you the best. I would never want a player to get hurt by a hit I gave him, especially if it was deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary’. For the rest of his teammates, I can certainly understand supporting him and defending him in a situation like this.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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“To the rest of the people I mentioned by every name in the book, from reporters ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people: you don’t know my heart, nor my character that I don’t have to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”
Al-Shaair was ruled out of the Texans’ 23-20 win over the Jaguars due to the blow to Lawrence’s head and neck area. It led to a brawl, which led to the ejection of Jacksonville cornerback Jarrian Jones.
Jaguars players defended Lawrence and called Al-Shaair’s hit ‘dirty’.
Lawrence provided a health update later Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, No. 16, slides as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, No. 0, makes a late hit during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville , Florida. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)
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“Thank you to everyone who prayed for me,” he wrote on X. “I’m home and feeling better. It means a lot, thank you all.”
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