Azeez Al-Shaair
HOUSTON TEXANS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Linebacker | Florida Atlantic | 7 |
Excellence on the Field
Since joining the Texans in 2024, Al-Shaair has started in all 19 games he's appeared in, tallying 121 tackles (71 solo), eight tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, nine passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Over his career, he's totaled 483 tackles (266 solo), 28 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, 20 passes defensed, two interceptions, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. A captain in both years with the Texans, Al-Shaair leads a unit that since his arrival in 2024 has allowed the second-fewest yards per game (299.8), third-fewest passing yards per game (193.5), ninth-fewest rushing yards per game (106.3 and fifth-fewest points allowed per game (19.7). This season, Al-Shaair has started in all eight games. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, who has known Al-Shaair since he was drafted in 2019, says of his linebacker, "He's just a very caring guy and he's an intentional leader. I remember him coming in, new to our team and watching how he just interacted with the guys. Just a great leader in all aspects, not just defense, offense, he's ––everybody. That's a great human being."
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
In his 2nd season with the Texans, Al-Shaair continues to show up for H-Town. This year, he has spent time with United Way, an organization that helped him and his family when he was young, visited Covenant House with Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross and his teammates to provide support and free haircuts, recognized local firefighters on National First Responders Day, celebrated the Texans' Girls Flag Football Program's Houston champions and more. Recently, Al-Shaair hosted a movie night at NRG Stadium for students at HYPE Freedom School, a nonprofit that provides youth development services that enhance learning opportunities outside of school time for children who need support. "It means everything to me because when I see these kids, I just see myself. As a kid, I always wished I had the opportunity to meet an NFL player to be inspired by. I went through the same highs and lows to get to where I am today, but I'm here because of all the hard work and things I endured to get here. I just want to give people hope," Al-Shaair said. The linebacker is also serving as a sponsor in the Houston Texans Community Huddle Ticket Program this season, which gives people who may not have a chance to attend an NFL game the opportunity to have a unique and special gameday experience. Every home game, students from HYPE Freedom School and Muslim Organization of Sports, Socials, and Education (MOSSE), are treated to tickets, food vouchers and parking passes thanks to his generosity.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Al-Shaair has been committed to the Houston community since the day he arrived in 2024. He is always the first one to jump at an opportunity to give back to those who need it most. Al-Shaair casts a wide net in his outreach to the community because he loves to help people, and there are so many things that he's connected with in his own life. He consistently provides mentorship to various youth organizations, including from overseas in Palestine. Al-Shaair also works with organizations that provide support to single mothers and families who are impacted by food insecurity.
Positive Character & a Lifestyle of Giving Back:
Al-Shaair is proud of his journey to the NFL and hopes to inspire others who want to be in his shoes one day. He and his family experienced homelessness when he was growing up after a fire destroyed their home. During some of their darkest times, his mom continued to give to others, reminding him that there's always people who are less fortunate than you. That lesson of compassion inspired him to lead a life of giving. He also remembers his grandfather using a phrase that he didn't understand until he got older but has stuck with him, "Regard all men but none too much and always keep the common touch." He continues to carry this message with him of you can always find a way to connect with people no matter who you are or where you come from. Al-Shaair is humble and the ultimate connector, both with his teammates and across the community. Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation Hannah McNair recently said, "When he's talking to someone, he makes you feel like you're the only person there. When you see him out in the community with children and adults, he just makes everyone feel special, seen, and heard. It's just incredible how he can make you feel." Executive Vice President and General Manager Nick Caserio have also said of Al-Shaair, "Nobody embodies our program more than Azeez, what he's about, what he's been through. There's not a more selfless individual, more about the team, who's earned the respect, that represents everything that we want this program to be about."
