The NFL’s decision to suspend Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for his brutal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence underscores an ongoing issue in professional football: where is the line between physicality and recklessness?
On Sunday, Al-Shaair delivered a hit that wasn’t just illegal—it was outright dangerous, leading to Lawrence being carted off the field with a concussion. This wasn’t an isolated mistake; it was the latest chapter in Al-Shaair’s pattern of behavior, and the NFL is finally stepping in to enforce some accountability.
First, let’s look at the play in question. Lawrence, a star quarterback and the face of the Jaguars franchise, was clearly in a feet-first slide—universally recognized as a quarterback’s way of conceding the play to avoid a hit. Instead of pulling up, Al-Shaair barreled into Lawrence’s head and neck area, leading with his helmet and forearm. This wasn’t just poor judgment; it was reckless. The NFL’s VP of football operations, Jon Runyan, called the hit “unacceptable,” and he’s absolutely right. Al-Shaair had time and space to avoid contact but chose violence instead.
It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long. pic.twitter.com/P8phFecS02
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024
The aftermath of the hit makes the situation even worse. As Lawrence lay on the ground, showing signs of a traumatic brain injury, chaos erupted on the field. Instead of de-escalating, Al-Shaair escalated the situation, yanking an opponent down by the facemask and reigniting a brawl after being ejected. Removing his helmet and strutting across the field to reengage with players was not just unsportsmanlike—it was a complete lack of respect for the game and its players.
This late hit on #TrevorLawrence was nasty work smh 😳
pic.twitter.com/NjLJZ4rHIz— WORLDSTARHIPHOP (@WORLDSTAR) December 1, 2024
And let’s not pretend this is a one-off for Al-Shaair. This season alone, he’s racked up fines for a late hit on Titans running back Tony Pollard and for throwing a punch at Bears running back Roschon Johnson. It’s clear this isn’t just about “mistakes.” It’s about a repeated disregard for the rules and a troubling lack of sportsmanship. Runyan’s letter made it clear: Al-Shaair’s actions “do not reflect the core values of the NFL.” He’s not just endangering his opponents; he’s tarnishing the reputation of a league that’s already under fire for player safety issues.
“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,” Runyan added. “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.”
Then there’s Al-Shaair’s apology, which frankly feels hollow. Yes, he apologized to Lawrence, but in the same breath, he turned himself into a victim, accusing reporters and fans of racism and Islamophobia. Let’s be clear: criticism of a player’s repeated dangerous behavior isn’t racism; it’s accountability. Trying to deflect with accusations only undermines whatever sincerity his apology might have held.
BREAKING: Texans LB, Azeez Al-Shaair, suspended 3 games!
——
• Choked Tom Brady – Dec ‘22• Hit Caleb Williams late & punched Roschon Johnson – Sept ‘24.
• Tackled Tony Pollard Late – Nov ‘24
• Illegal hit on Trevor Lawrence – Dec ‘24 pic.twitter.com/U8eHuB5nUi
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 3, 2024
This situation also raises bigger questions about the NFL’s disciplinary process. Why did it take three incidents in one season for Al-Shaair to face a suspension? A league that claims to prioritize player safety needs to do more than issue fines. Actions like Al-Shaair’s can end careers—or worse. Trevor Lawrence, the victim in this case, is lucky to have escaped with “only” a concussion.
In a league that celebrates toughness but draws the line at recklessness, Al-Shaair’s behavior is an embarrassment. Football is a violent game, but it’s also one with rules designed to protect players. If Al-Shaair can’t respect those rules, perhaps three games on the sidelines will give him time to think about whether he belongs in the NFL at all.
