In the week 13 game against the Jaguars, Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair tackled the QB Trevor Lawrence. A hit so brutal that the quarterback clenched his fist while it was in the air. The danger was real, and they ejected the linebacker from the game. Immediately after that, the league suspended him for three games. Fans were angry, even wishing that he should never play the game again!

Now, he has opened up on his mindset. During his suspension, the LB suffered some difficult moments that were, “The things you can think when somebody says they’re in a dark place, as dark as you can go is where I was truthfully. (It) was hard for me to see myself playing football.” The situation worsened so much for him that he almost thought of retiring. That would have been crazy!

For Trevor Lawrence, his season ended with the hit as he was later placed on injured reserve. The NFL’s vice president of policy and rules administration, Jon Runyan, was angry with the way he got injured. Two days after the game, the VP sent a letter to Azeez Al-Shaair, claiming they would not tolerate his ‘continued disregard for rules governing player safety.’ On the field, the situation escalated quickly.

While the QB was on the field, players from both teams brawled. But the linebacker received support from his team. Texans GM Nick Caserio defended his player, calling the league’s decision ‘inconsistent’ with such situations. He gave examples of many players who were either not suspended or suspended for only one game.

However, the league stood firm. And the LB had to sit out 3 games without pay for the illegal hit. The only things they hope for is that they would do good in the playoffs.

Texans’ locker room excited for Azeez Al-Shaair return

Everything’s in the past now. The Texans coach and players are eager to play with their defensive captain. In his absence, they suffered a 19-27 loss against Chiefs in week 16 and a blowout 2-31 defeat against Ravens in week 17. Hopefully, the LB would change their fortune.

“It’s really great getting Azeez back. We’ve missed him over these past three weeks, just missed his presence, his leadership, missed his playmaking ability on the field,” said the Texans HC DeMeco Ryans while welcoming Azeez Al-Shaair after his suspension. He also hinted that the LB would play against the Titans and added, “So, we’re excited to get him back out there and let him knock some of the rust off.”

Not only the coach, but his teammates are also excited. LB Christian Harris couldn’t control his feelings and mentioned, “It’s great to have our leader back, our captain. He brings crazy energy.” The energy in the league has shifted away from regular season to the playoffs.

The Texans have never won a Super Bowl. Can they do it this year? It would be challenging, but they also look prepared.