Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced following his suspension for a controversial hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This incident, which resulted in a concussion for Lawrence, led to Al-Shaair being banned for three games, during which he questioned his future in the sport.
Al-Shaair expressed that the period following his suspension was one of profound darkness, leaving him uncertain about his football career. Speaking to reporters for the first time since the incident, he revealed, “The things that you can think when somebody says they’re in a dark place, as dark as you can go is where I was truthfully.” This statement highlights the depth of his internal struggle in the wake of the suspension.
The play occurred during an NFL game on December 1, 2024, in Jacksonville, where Lawrence was hurt following Al-Shaair’s tackle. The quarterback’s reaction involved clenching both fists, a movement associated with the “fencing response” common in traumatic brain injuries. The situation escalated as Al-Shaair was ejected from the game, and tensions rose among players and fans. The incident led to a brawl, with Jaguars’ guard Brandon Scherff confronting Al-Shaair and Texans’ teammate Will Anderson intervening to escort Al-Shaair off the field amid hostile reactions from spectators.
Reflecting on the suspension, Al-Shaair acknowledged understanding the league’s disciplinary action but took issue with the portrayal of his conduct. In a letter notifying him of the suspension, NFL executive Jon Runyan criticized his sportsmanship. Al-Shaair sought clarification from league officials, including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan, to comprehend their perspective on his actions. “I really had a moment of, there’s no way I can go out and play football again if this is how people that I work with view me,” he stated, indicating the depth of his self-reflection.
Runyan noted that his comments were made after viewing the altercation and reassured Al-Shaair that his critique was specific to that incident rather than a reflection of his entire career. Al-Shaair was candid about his mistake, acknowledging that removing his helmet and contributing to another conflict was inappropriate, although he maintained that his initial actions were not intended to harm Lawrence.
During the initial days of his suspension, Al-Shaair described his experience as a ‘blur,’ isolating himself and even neglecting to eat. However, messages of support from children at a Tennessee foster care organization, with whom he had previously engaged during his tenure with the Titans, proved pivotal in lifting his spirits. “I got so many different messages like that and I remember just sitting in my bed and I was like: ‘Man, like I can just keep sitting here sad and sulking and just feeling like I’m being misjudged or I can just do what I always do, which is just try to be positive and spread positivity, do the best that I can,’” Al-Shaair shared.
Motivated by the encouragement, Al-Shaair traveled to Nashville to attend an event at the foster care organization, similar to one he had participated in the previous year. This experience helped him regain his sense of self, despite the negativity surrounding his situation. “I had so many people saying so many negative things and to see people that were happy to see me and were happy about my presence I think that’s what kind of like snapped me back,” he elaborated.
Al-Shaair is now set to return to the field as the Texans, the AFC South champions, prepare to face the Titans. His return is welcomed by Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, who emphasized the team’s need for Al-Shaair’s leadership and playmaking skills, especially as they aim to recover from recent losses and contend with a series of injuries.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s experience underscores the personal challenges athletes face following disciplinary actions. His openness about his emotional journey offers insight into the pressures of professional sports and highlights the importance of support networks in overcoming adversity. As he returns to the field, Al-Shaair is focused on reclaiming his position and contributing positively to his team.
Source: News4jax
