Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair broke his silence on Monday morning after he received criticism for the hit he put on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which left him with a concussion.
Al-Shaair also took a shot at reporters and those who scrutinized him for his pro-Palestinian cleats in the aftermath of the hit.
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, is held back by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, #39, after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play,” he said in a statement. “And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal! It’s just competition. We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families!
“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want t see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’ To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that.
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, Dec. 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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“To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need 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 ejected from the Texans’ 23-20 win over the Jaguars because of the hit to Lawrence’s head and neck area. It sparked a brawl, which led to the ejection of Jacksonville cornerback Jarrian Jones.
Jaguars players defended Lawrence and called Al-Shaair’s hit “dirty.”
Lawrence gave a health update later Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides for a down as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, makes a late hit during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)
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“Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me,” he wrote on X. “I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all.”
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