Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair Ejected After Controversial Hit on Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence
HOUSTON — Sunday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars was supposed to be a battle for AFC South supremacy, but it turned into a heated and chaotic affair after a controversial hit by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair left Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a concussion. The fallout from the incident has sparked outrage, apologies, and plenty of debate across the NFL world.
Lawrence, who had just returned to the starting lineup after missing two games with a sprained left shoulder, was scrambling on a second-and-7 play in the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 victory. As he began to slide, Al-Shaair delivered a brutal forearm to the quarterback’s face mask, leaving Lawrence motionless on the field and igniting a melee between the two teams.
Al-Shaair was immediately ejected for what referee Land Clark described as “an illegal hit on the quarterback, unnecessary, to the neck and head area.” Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones was also ejected after throwing a punch during the ensuing scuffle. The scene was chaotic, with players, coaches, and even fans getting involved. Jaguars veteran guard Brandon Scherff confronted Al-Shaair as he left the field, and Texans teammate Will Anderson Jr. had to step in to escort him away. To make matters worse, a fan threw a water bottle that struck Anderson in the helmet, leading to the fan’s ejection.
Al-Shaair Issues Public Apology
On Monday morning, Al-Shaair took to social media to apologize to Lawrence, expressing regret for the hit and insisting it was unintentional. In his post, he wrote, “To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how great it was 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 was ruled ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’”
Al-Shaair claimed he didn’t see Lawrence sliding until it was too late, describing the incident as happening “in the blink of an eye.” He also addressed the backlash he’s received, saying, “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 heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you.”
Lawrence Provides Update on His Condition
After being carted off the field, Lawrence later posted an update on social media, reassuring fans that he was “home and feeling better.” In his post, he thanked everyone for their prayers and support, saying, “Means a lot, thank you all.”
Reactions from Coaches and Teammates
The hit drew sharp criticism from both sides. Jaguars coach Doug Pederson called it a play that “really has no business being in our league,” while Texans coach DeMeco Ryans distanced himself from the incident, saying, “That’s not what we’re coaching.”
Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, who was one of the first players to confront Al-Shaair after the hit, didn’t mince words. “It was a dirty hit,” Engram said. “I mean, I saw him sliding and then I saw the hit, and then just, honestly, it just took over. I just knew it was wrong. It was just a dirty play, and you stick up for your guys.”
Al-Shaair’s History of Questionable Plays
This isn’t the first time Al-Shaair has found himself in hot water for his on-field actions. Just last week, he was flagged and fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard. Earlier this season, he was fined $11,817 for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson during a sideline scuffle in Week 2. That incident also stemmed from a hard hit on quarterback Caleb Williams that wasn’t flagged.
What’s Next?
Al-Shaair is expected to face a fine for the hit on Lawrence and could also be suspended. In his statement, he defended his playing style, saying, “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can and then pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal, it’s just competition!”
As the NFL reviews the incident, one thing is clear: this hit has reignited the conversation about player safety and the fine line between aggressive play and dangerous behavior. For now, all eyes are on the league’s decision and how both teams move forward from this fiery encounter.
Originally Written by: Michael DiRocco
