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 Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

nfl

Last updated: December 2, 2024

Azeez Al-Shaair Apologizes on Social Media for Controversial Hit on Trevor Lawrence

Anamika Shrivastava

Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair Issues Apology to Trevor Lawrence and Teammates After Controversial Hit Sparks Controversy

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair expressed a heartfelt apology on social media after his rough hit resulted in an injury to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday. During the second quarter of the Texans’ 23-20 victory against the Jaguars, Al-Shaair made an illegal hit to Lawrence’s head, despite Lawrence declaring himself down by sliding.

A fiery on-field scrum broke out among players as trainers cared for Lawrence, who suddenly went rigid and exhibited the fencing position, a typical indicator of a head injury.

Lawrence was taken off the field and declared out because of a concussion, while Al-Shaair was one of the two players thrown out of the game.

In light of the extensive backlash regarding the illegal hit, Al-Shaair went to X (previously called Twitter) to apologize to Lawrence and the Jaguars:

“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye,” Al-Shaair wrote. “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 to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’

“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.”

All Praise to Allah🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/pEbCRAg8fF
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 2, 2024

Fortunately, Lawrence seems to be fine following the collision. His status for Week 14 is still uncertain, but in the same context, Adam Schefter foresees that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will face suspension for the hit he applied to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence on Sunday. The sole question is regarding the duration.

It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long. pic.twitter.com/P8phFecS02
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024

Also Read: Trevor Lawrence Injury Update: Jaguars QB Out After Controversial Hit Against Texans

Houston Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans Shared His Views

Texans head coach Demeco Ryans stated post-game that Al-Shaair’s hit is not what they instruct in Houston, and that behavior does not reflect Al-Shaair’s character as a player or individual.

DeMeco Ryans on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit on Trevor Lawrence:

“It’s unfortunate. It’s not what we’re coaching.”

He also added, that play doesn’t represent who Al-Shaair is as a player or a person: pic.twitter.com/hx9eWd08TB
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) December 1, 2024

The incident occurred in the second quarter while Houston led 6-0. Lawrence rushed on second-and-7 close to midfield and glided near the line of gain. As Lawrence slipped, Al-Shaair plunged in headfirst and struck Lawrence’s upper body directly.

A flag was promptly issued. Al-Shaair’s initial reaction was to contest the penalty before Engram struck him right away. A fight broke out and crossed onto the Jaguars’ sideline.

Al-Shaair and two of his teammates were surrounded by Jaguars until officials finally controlled the brawl. Lawrence stayed lying on his back on the field until the fight calmed down. He ultimately managed to get to his feet before exiting the field on a cart.

After the first altercation calmed down, Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff went toward Al-Shaair, leading to another brawl. Following the ejections, Al-Shaair was led off the field by a police officer, several Texans staff members, and his teammate Will Anderson Jr. Al-Shaair exchanged remarks with fans as he neared the tunnel. When Al-Shaair left the field, supporters hurled objects in his direction. The game then progressed with Jones assuming the quarterback role for Jacksonville.

A suspension is anticipated for Al-Shaair later this week, but it remains unclear whether it will be a single game or a longer suspension that mirrors the severity of his actions.

Image Credit- Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Azeez Al-Shaair

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL

Trevor Lawrence