Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair Reflects on Suspension and Return
Overcoming Adversity
HOUSTON — Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair opened up about the challenges he faced following his three-game suspension for a hit on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in a concussion for Lawrence. During a press conference on Wednesday, Al-Shaair expressed that he was in a “really dark place” and questioned if he would ever play football again during the aftermath of the incident.
Al-Shaair shared his thoughts on his mental state during the period of his absence, saying, “When someone describes being in a dark place, I was as low as it gets.” He acknowledged that his confidence in returning to the game was shaken until he had a conversation with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and top league executives, Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan.
The Incident
The incident that led to Al-Shaair’s suspension happened when Lawrence, after being hit, displayed a response typical for victims of traumatic brain injuries known as the “fencing response.” He lay on the field for several minutes as his teammates rushed to support him, and emotions escalated into a brawl with Al-Shaair being the focal point of the altercation.
As Al-Shaair exited the field following his ejection, he faced backlash from fans. Jaguars player Brandon Scherff added to the tension, resulting in another scuffle. Texans teammate Will Anderson attempted to guide Al-Shaair safely off the field but was struck in the helmet by a water bottle thrown from the stands.
Confronting the Suspension
Al-Shaair indicated that while he understood the reasons behind the suspension, he took issue with how Runyan portrayed him in the suspension letter. The letter highlighted concerns about Al-Shaair’s “lack of sportsmanship and respect,” suggesting that it did not align with NFL’s core values. This characterization prompted Al-Shaair to seek dialogue with league officials to gain clarity on their perceptions of him as a player.
“I couldn’t imagine stepping onto the field again if that’s how my coworkers viewed me,” he stated, emphasizing the need to address these sentiments. Al-Shaair reported that Runyan assured him he was only referencing the specific incident and never meant to comment on Al-Shaair’s overall career.
“I made a mistake, and while I own that, I stand firm that I never intended to injure anyone,” Al-Shaair explained, reflecting on Runyan’s attempts to clarify the intent behind his comments.
Finding Support
Following the suspension, Al-Shaair spent several days in isolation, struggling to engage in everyday activities. As he sat in silence, he received uplifting messages from children at a foster care organization in Tennessee whom he had previously visited while playing for the Titans. These messages sparked a significant change in his mindset.
“Receiving positive notes from those kids made me realize I had a choice: to remain in despair or to uplift myself and spread positivity,” he said. He then decided to fly back to Nashville to participate in the same foster care event he previously attended, where he felt a renewed sense of purpose through the joy of being welcomed by the children.
Looking Forward
As the Texans prepare to play against the Titans this Sunday, Al-Shaair is set to make his return to action after the suspension. Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his enthusiasm for Al-Shaair’s comeback, noting the team has felt his absence significantly, especially with their past three weeks marked by injuries and two consecutive losses.
“We missed him on the field, with his leadership and playmaking skills. We can’t wait to see him shake off the rust and contribute once again,” Ryans stated, highlighting the importance of Al-Shaair’s presence as the team heads into the playoffs. Al-Shaair’s journey from a challenging situation to a hopeful return is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
