The NFL has come down hard on Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, suspending him for three games following his brutal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Sunday’s game. The blow, which struck Lawrence in the head as he was sliding feet-first, knocked the star QB out of the game with a concussion and ignited a brawl between the teams.
NFL Deems Hit “Unacceptable”, Warns Further Disregard Won’t Be Tolerated
In a strongly-worded letter announcing the suspension, NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan called Al-Shaair’s actions “unacceptable” and a “serious violation” of player safety rules. Runyan admonished the veteran linebacker, warning that his “continued disregard” for the regulations “will not be tolerated.”
“Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide,” Runyan wrote. “You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.“
Lawrence Showed Signs of Brain Injury
The viciousness of the collision was apparent immediately, as Lawrence exhibited movements consistent with a “fencing response” – clenched fists that can indicate a traumatic brain injury. The fourth-year pro and former No. 1 overall pick remained down for several minutes as concerned teammates rushed to his defense, mobbing Al-Shaair.
Escalation and Lack of Sportsmanship Cited
Runyan also took Al-Shaair to task for escalating the ensuing scuffle, noting that the Texans defender “proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask.” Even after being ejected, Al-Shaair “removed your helmet and reengaged with your opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation.“
Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL.
– Jon Runyan, NFL VP of Football Operations
Pattern of Reckless Play and Fines
This is not Al-Shaair’s first brush with league discipline for dangerous hits. Just last week, he was flagged and fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans RB Tony Pollard. Earlier this season, he received an $11,817 fine for punching Bears RB Roschon Johnson on the sideline during a Week 2 altercation after a hit on QB Caleb Williams near the boundary went unpenalized.
Runyan made clear the league’s patience with Al-Shaair’s reckless brand of play is wearing thin:
Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.
– Jon Runyan, NFL VP of Football Operations
Lawrence in Concussion Protocol as Jaguars Prepare for Stretch Run
While Al-Shaair will be sidelined for the next three contests, the Jaguars now face uncertainty around the status of their franchise quarterback. Lawrence, in the midst of a stellar season that has Jacksonville primed to return to the playoffs, will need to progress through the league’s concussion protocol with no defined timetable for return.
The Jags, leaders of the AFC South at 9-4, are positioned to earn their first postseason berth since 2017 and just their second in the past 15 years. But those hopes could be dashed if their offensive cornerstone is forced to miss significant time.
As for Al-Shaair and the Texans, the suspension is the latest blow in a season that has already careened off the rails. At 2-10-1, Houston is limping to the finish line and now must make do without one of its defensive starters as it looks to play spoiler down the stretch. The ban serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from playing outside the rules in an inherently violent game.
