Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair recently returned to practice after serving a three-game suspension due to an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Upon his return, Al-Shaair took to social media to express his gratitude for being reinstated and to reflect on his experiences during his time away from the team.
In a heartfelt statement, Al-Shaair emphasized the importance of faith and support from loved ones during what he described as a challenging period. He acknowledged the emotional toll of being labeled a 'dirty player' and expressed appreciation for the backing of Texans owners Cal and Hannah McNair, general manager Nick Caserio, and head coach DeMeco Ryans, who publicly defended him amid criticism.
Al-Shaair admitted to reviewing the hit that led to his suspension and recognized that he lost control during the ensuing altercation. He described the incident as a learning experience, stating he aims to represent himself and his family better moving forward. During his suspension, he met with NFL officials, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, to discuss the circumstances surrounding his suspension and the language used in the suspension letter. He found the meeting productive and expressed hope for his future in the league.
In a lighter moment, Al-Shaair shared his excitement about returning to play alongside teammates Henry To’oTo’o and Christian Harris, posting a humorous video on Instagram that resonated with fans and teammates alike. He concluded his reflections by affirming his identity as a dedicated football player and his eagerness to demonstrate his skills on the field once more.
