Texans Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair Fined $17,389 for Unflagged Hit on Defenseless Player

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair fined $17,389 for hit on defenseless player despite no flag during game

Ingress: Texans veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair continues to face scrutiny from the NFL following a recent fine of $17,389 for a hit on Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins. The league sanctioned Al-Shaair for unnecessary roughness on a play unpenalized during the game, marking his third fine since a high-profile suspension that has cast a long shadow over his career. This article explores Al-Shaair’s disciplinary history, his role in the Texans’ defense, and the complex narrative surrounding his reputation in the league.

Key points: - Al-Shaair was fined $17,389 for a hit on J.K. Dobbins in Week 9, a hit that was not flagged during the game. - In December 2024, Al-Shaair was suspended three games for a controversial forearm hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence while Lawrence was sliding. - Since 2020, Al-Shaair has accumulated 13 violations and seven fines, reflecting ongoing issues with NFL rules enforcement. - Despite criticism, Al-Shaair has remained a team captain and key defensive leader for the Houston Texans in the 2025 season. - Al-Shaair has publicly addressed the criticism and disciplinary actions, emphasizing his commitment to playing hard but within the rules.

Azeez Al-Shaair’s latest fine and disciplinary history

The NFL announced on Saturday that Azeez Al-Shaair will pay a fine of $17,389 following an incident during the fourth quarter of the Texans' Week 9 loss to the Broncos. On that play, Al-Shaair delivered a shoulder tackle to running back J.K. Dobbins after a reception that resulted in a two-yard loss. Although officials did not flag the play as a penalty during the game, the NFL later deemed the hit unnecessary roughness on a defenseless player and imposed the fine.

This latest fine adds to a history of disciplinary actions for Al-Shaair. The linebacker’s most notable incident occurred in December 2024, when he was suspended for three games after hitting Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the head with a forearm while Lawrence was sliding. That hit not only caused a concussion ending Lawrence’s season but also initiated an on-field brawl. Al-Shaair was ejected at the time and subsequently received harsh criticism from NFL executive Jon Runyan, who characterized him as lacking sportsmanship and respect for the game.

Besides the suspension, Al-Shaair has faced multiple fines in the 2025 season, including a $20,555 fine for illegal helmet use during a playoff game victory over the Chargers and a $17,389 fine for an unflagged blow to the head of Titans quarterback Cam Ward in Week 4. Counting all disciplinary actions since 2020, Al-Shaair has accumulated 13 violations and seven fines, underscoring a pattern closely monitored by the NFL.

Al-Shaair’s role and performance in the 2025 season

Despite the off-field controversies, Al-Shaair remains a pivotal figure on the Texans’ defense. In Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, Al-Shaair demonstrated exceptional performance by recording seven tackles, a quarterback hit, and a pass breakup against the Buffalo Bills. He played every defensive snap for the sixth consecutive game—a career-high streak in full participation—and helped secure a narrow 23-19 victory. Overall, in eight games played so far this season, Al-Shaair has amassed 51 tackles, five passes defended, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble.

Texans defensive coordinator and head coach DeMeco Ryans, who previously worked with Al-Shaair at the San Francisco 49ers, consider him a defensive signal caller and a leader for the entire front seven. His commanding presence on the field contrasts with the disciplinary challenges he has faced off the field.

Personal reflections and public perception

Al-Shaair has openly shared his emotional and mental struggles related to the suspension and ensuing backlash. After his appeal was denied, he described being “in a dark place,” spending five days isolated and even posting a photo of the Joker character symbolizing his acceptance of being labeled a villain. The linebacker, a devout Muslim, has also been the target of hate speech and racism on social media platforms.

“I don’t got to say much. It’s not really up to me to try to take somebody to understand who I am,” Al-Shaair said ahead of a matchup against the Jaguars. “If you know me and you’re blessed to be around me, then you know who I am. If you’re not, then I’ll just pray for you.” He stresses that judgement based on rumors or his reputation is the problem of those who make such assumptions, not his own.

Since the high-profile incident with Trevor Lawrence, Al-Shaair has moved forward, focusing on proving his character through his play. Texans general manager Nick Caserio has publicly defended Al-Shaair, criticizing the tone of Runyan’s suspension letter that suggested Al-Shaair’s behavior reflected poorly on the values of the NFL.

NFL disciplinary process and controversies surrounding Al-Shaair

The disciplinary letter sent by Jon Runyan highlighted the serious nature of Al-Shaair’s December 2024 hit on Lawrence and the subsequent escalation into fights. Runyan's letter detailed Al-Shaair’s actions: leading with his forearm and helmet when Lawrence was sliding, engaging in a brawl, removing his helmet and reigniting the altercation, and ultimately disrespecting the game’s values. The letter described these actions as jeopardizing safety and violating sportsmanship principles.

Al-Shaair’s appeal was reviewed by former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster and upheld, with significant financial consequences including lost salary and bonuses totaling $112,745 per week of suspension.

Al-Shaair and Texans staff took the language of Runyan’s letter as overly harsh and lacking personal understanding, especially given Runyan’s own history as a tough and sometimes controversial player. During a subsequent meeting involving NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and other officials, the parties discussed the context of the incidents, clarifying some misunderstandings yet leaving many questions about player discipline in the NFL.

Future outlook and the path forward for Al-Shaair and the Texans

As of now, the recent $17,389 fine will not trigger a suspension for Al-Shaair in the upcoming game against the Jaguars. However, accumulating fines could reignite suspension discussions if further violations occur. The Texans have won six out of eleven games this season, with Al-Shaair often at the center of the defense and team leadership.

Through adversity, Al-Shaair continues to maintain his focus on playing hard yet within the rules. He acknowledges mistakes, including a late-season punch on a Bears player in 2024, but emphasizes a high success rate of "99%" for clean, respectful play.

His journey from undrafted free agent with a difficult upbringing in Tampa, Florida, to a $34 million contract veteran leader reflects resilience—a story underscored by his deep spirituality and commitment to his team. The Texans and their fans will be watching closely how Al-Shaair balances aggressive defensive play with the league’s increasing emphasis on player safety and sportsmanship.

This detailed overview highlights how Azeez Al-Shaair’s intense playing style, disciplinary record, and personal resolve have shaped his ongoing narrative as a key defensive stalwart for the Houston Texans under heavy scrutiny from the NFL and public alike.