The NFL finds itself at the center of another heated debate on player safety following Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 13. The hit not only sidelined Lawrence but also triggered a brawl, two ejections, and a suspension for Al-Shaair. The linebacker’s three-game suspension, upheld after an appeal, has sparked discussions about player safety, quarterback protection, and fairness in NFL rulings.
Here’s everything you need to know about the incident, the suspension, and its wider implications.
The Hit That Sparked The Chaos
The controversy started when Al-Shaair hit Lawrence during a scramble in the second quarter. Lawrence was sliding to the ground when Al-Shaair delivered a late hit that left the quarterback concussed and in a fencing position—a clear concussion symptom. The blow led to an on-field fight, with Al-Shaair and Jaguars defensive back Jarrion Jones both ejected. Lawrence was carted off and didn’t return to the game.
The next day, Al-Shaair publicly apologized on social media, expressing regret for his actions. “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,’” he wrote, acknowledging the Jaguars’ defense of their teammate.
The NFL’s Suspension And Stern Message
The NFL wasted no time handing down a suspension. NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan called the hit a blatant violation of league rules, citing Al-Shaair’s “lack of sportsmanship” and “disregard for player safety.” Runyan emphasized the league’s commitment to protecting all players and denounced Al-Shaair’s actions as “unacceptable.”
The three-game suspension makes Al-Shaair the first player to be suspended for on-field conduct since 2019, when Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi, and Maurkice Pouncey faced bans for a brawl during a Browns-Steelers game.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Texans’ Strong Defense Of Azeez Al-Shaair
The Texans organization has strongly resisted the suspension. Head coach DeMeco Ryans called the hit “unfortunate” but insisted it doesn’t reflect Al-Shaair’s character or how the team coaches its players. General Manager Nick Caserio went further, labeling the NFL’s punishment as inconsistent and unfair.
Caserio highlighted other incidents this season where players faced less severe consequences for similar actions. He pointed out that Detroit’s Brian Branch and Los Angeles’ Derwin James were only suspended for one game each after being ejected for dangerous hits. He also noted that former Texans safety Kareem Jackson was ejected multiple times before earning a suspension. “For the league to make comments about lack of sportsmanship and coachability—it’s embarrassing,” Caserio said.
Social Media Backlash And Azeez’s Response
Al-Shaair himself expressed frustration with the ruling, taking to social media with a defiant post. Sharing an image of the Joker, he wrote, “If you want me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” hinting at his dissatisfaction with the league’s stance. The post stirred debate among fans, with some supporting Al-Shaair and others siding with the NFL’s emphasis on quarterback safety.
IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!🖕🏾SEE YOU SOON…🃏 pic.twitter.com/GA5FMglMjz
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 5, 2024
Tom Brady Weighs In – A Quarterback’s Perspective
Even Tom Brady weighed in on the debate during an appearance on The Herd. Brady pointed out the inherent risks quarterbacks face when they scramble. “When you run, you put yourself in danger,” he said, arguing that players need to take responsibility for their safety. Brady recalled his own experience learning the hard way after a vicious hit, emphasizing that quarterbacks must protect themselves better when leaving the pocket. His perspective added nuance to the debate, as some fans questioned whether quarterbacks’ sliding techniques contributed to such collisions.
What’s Next For Azeez Al-Shaair And The Texans?
With the suspension upheld, Al-Shaair will miss crucial matchups against Miami, Kansas City, and Baltimore. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, a game that could have playoff implications. Losing their starting linebacker for the Texans adds pressure to a defense already facing tough opponents.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for more precise guidelines on quarterback safety. Some fans even suggest penalizing QBs who fake slides, as the ambiguity puts defenders in difficult positions.
Also Read: Popular Political Commentator Wants Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair Kicked Out Of The NFL
