Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair 'grateful' to get back to football after suspension for vicious hit

Emmanuel Acho reacts to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair receiving a three-game suspension for his hit on Trevor Lawrence that took him out of the game.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair released a statement on Monday night as he is set to return to the team following 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 over the hit.

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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 Dec. 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

"While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that I’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation," he said.

He said losing control of the moment "was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment" and expressed regret over the way he handled himself.

Al-Shaair said he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan. He made clear to them that he did not feel like Runyan’s statement about him before the suspension was a good characterization. He said their meeting was productive.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

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