Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair opened up about his struggles following a three-game suspension for a hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that resulted in a concussion. In his first press conference since the suspension, Al-Shaair described his mental state during that difficult period.“I was in a really dark place,” Al-Shaair said. “As dark as you can go is where I was truthfully. It was hard for me to see myself playing football again.”
His outlook began to shift after meetings with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and league executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan. Al-Shaair expressed concern about how he was perceived by the league, particularly after Runyan’s letter characterizing his actions as lacking sportsmanship and respect for the game.
“I really had a moment of, there’s no way I can go out and play football again if this is how people that I work with view me,” Al-Shaair reflected. He noted that Runyan clarified his comments were based on the specific incident and not a reflection of his entire career.Al-Shaair acknowledged his mistake in the moment, particularly for removing his helmet and escalating the situation after the hit. “I clearly made a mistake,” he admitted. “But I never tried to hurt him.”
Following the suspension, Al-Shaair spent five days in isolation, struggling with his emotions. However, he found encouragement from children at a Tennessee foster care organization he had previously visited. Their supportive messages inspired him to shift his mindset.
“I could keep sitting here sad, or I can do what I always do, which is just try to be positive,” he said. This realization led him to book a flight to Nashville to attend the same event he had participated in the previous year.“Seeing people who were happy to see me kind of snapped me back,” Al-Shaair shared. “Regardless of what’s being said, you know who you are.”
Now, as the AFC South champion Texans (9-7) prepare to face the Titans on Sunday, Al-Shaair is set to make his return to the field. Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed enthusiasm for Al-Shaair’s comeback, emphasizing the team’s need for his leadership and playmaking ability as they head into the playoffs after two consecutive losses.
“We’ve missed him over these past three weeks,” Ryans said. “We’re excited to get him back out there and let him knock some of the rust off.”
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