Azeez Al-Shaair
{{Short description|American football player (born 1997)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Azeez Al-Shaair
| image = Azeez Al-Shaair Titans Interview MARCH2023.png
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Al-Shaair in 2023
| current_team = Houston Texans
| number = 0
| position = Linebacker
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|8|4}}
| birth_place = Tampa, Florida, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lb = 228
| high_school = Hillsborough (Tampa)
| college = Florida Atlantic (2015–2018)
| undraftedyear = 2019
| pastteams =
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2019|2022}})
- Tennessee Titans ({{NFL Year|2023}})
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2024}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
- First-team All C-USA (2017)
| statleague = NFL
| statweek =
| statseason = 2024
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 432
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 6.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 4
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 4
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 2
| statlabel6 = Pass deflections
| statvalue6 = 15
| pfr = A/AlShAz00
}}
Azeez Al-Shaair ({{IPAc-en|æ|l|ˈ|ʃ|aɪər}} {{respell|al|SHIRE}}, Arabic: عزيز الشاعر, born August 4, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Atlantic Owls, where he received the First-team All C-USA award in 2017.
Early life
Al-Shaair was born in Tampa, Florida. As a young child, he moved back and forth between Tampa and Saudi Arabia, where his father worked as an English instructor, until his parents divorced. He lived in Section 8 and became homeless as a sophomore in high school after his home burned down. He commuted two hours by bus from a motel to Hillsborough High School, where he played football.{{Cite web |last=Habib |first=Hal |date=August 29, 2018 |title=Faith fuels FAU linebacker Al-Shaair's rise toward stardom, NFL future |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/college-football/faith-fuels-fau-linebacker-shaair-rise-toward-stardom-nfl-future/umNi1RO1xp6j9oOJddaYMJ/ |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Palm Beach Post}} As a senior, he made 126 tackles with 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries and also blocked six field goals and a blocked punt and was named first-team All-County.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Nate |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Meet the Owls' 2015 commits: Bios, highlights of prospects set to sign with FAU |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fau-owls/sfl-meet-fau-commits-20150202-story.html |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sun-Sentinel}} Al-Shaair committed to play college football at Florida Atlantic University going into his senior year, but continued to go on recruiting visits in order to help feed his family.{{Cite web |last=Wolken |first=Dan |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Through teenage homelessness, 49ers' Azeez Al-Shaair kept NFL dream alive |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2020/01/29/azeez-al-shaair-niners-super-bowl-florida-atlantic/4601386002/ |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=USA Today}}
College career
File:2018-0719-CUSAMD-Aziz Al-Shaair.JPG
Al-Shaair was a four year starter at linebacker for the Florida Atlantic Owls. As a freshman, Al-Shaair was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team and named a Freshman All-American after recording a team-leading 94 tackles (7.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks, two passes broken up and a forced fumble.{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2015 |title=Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair Named USA Today Freshman All-American |url=https://fausports.com/news/2015/12/12/Linebacker_Azeez_Al_Shaair_Named_USA_Today_Freshman_All_American.aspx |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=FAUSports.com}} He again led the Owls in tackles as a sophomore with 113 (12 for loss) and returned an interception for a touchdown and was named honorable mention All-Conference USA.{{Cite web |last=DeFranks |first=Matthew |date=August 29, 2017 |title=FAU breakdown: players to watch, keys to season, crucial games |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/fl-sp-fau-playbook-20170808-story.html |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=New York Daily News |publisher=Sun-Sentinel}} As a junior, Al-Shaair led Conference USA with 147 tackles (11 for loss) along with 2.5 sacks, four passes defensed and a forced fumble and was named first-team all conference. He entered his senior year on the Butkus Award watchlist but tore his ACL in an October practice, ending his final season after six games.{{Cite web |last=Elman |first=Jake |date=July 23, 2018 |title=Florida Atlantic linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair named to Butkus Award watch list |url=http://faufocus.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/07/23/florida-atlantic-linebacker-azeez-al-shaair-named-to-butkus-award-watch-list/ |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Palm Beach Post}}{{Cite web |last=Furones |first=David |date=October 18, 2018 |title=FAU linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has senior season cut short due to torn ACL |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fau-owls/fl-sp-fau-azeez-al-shaair-out-for-season-20181018-story.html |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Sun-Sentinel}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 5/8
| weight = 234
| bench = 16
| arm span = 32 3/8
| hand span = 9 1/2
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Azeez Al-Shaair Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/azeez-al-shaair/3200414c-5310-7778-36da-c32d1386abd2 |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Azeez Al-Shaair 2019 NFL Draft Profile |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/104014 |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=insider.espn.com}}
}}
=San Francisco 49ers=
Al-Shaair was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Elman |first=Jake |date=April 27, 2019 |title=2019 NFL Draft: Florida Atlantic linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair signs with San Francisco 49ers as undrafted free agent |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20190427/2019-nfl-draft-florida-atlantic-linebacker-azeez-al-shaair-signs-with-san-francisco-49ers-as-undrafted-free-agent |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Palm Beach Post}} Al-Shaair made his NFL debut in the season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing exclusively on special teams and making two tackles in the 31-17 road victory.{{Cite web |last=Hutchison |first=Jacob |date=September 9, 2019 |title=49ers snap count and position grades for Week 1 win over Bucs |url=http://www.knbr.com/2019/09/09/49ers-snap-count-and-position-grades-for-week-1-win-over-bucs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914045616/http://www.knbr.com/2019/09/09/49ers-snap-count-and-position-grades-for-week-1-win-over-bucs/ |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=KNBR.com}} The 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV, but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 31–20.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIV - San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 2nd, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202002020kan.htm |access-date=October 5, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He did not appear in any postseason games. Al-Shaair played in 15 games with four starts as a rookie, making 18 tackles.{{Cite web |title=Azeez Al-Shaair 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlShAz00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football in 2020, Al-Shaair recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Carson Wentz during the 25–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers - October 4th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010040sfo.htm |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
Al-Shaair entered the 2021 season as a starting linebacker for the 49ers. He started 13 games, finishing second on the team with 102 tackles, along with two sacks, five passes defensed, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.{{Cite web |title=Azeez Al-Shaair 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlShAz00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On March 15, 2022, the 49ers placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Al-Shaair.{{Cite web |last=Posey |first=Kyle |date=March 15, 2022 |title=NFL rumors tracker: 49ers give Azeez Al-Shaair a second-round tender, 1-year offer for $3.98 million |url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/3/15/22979140/49ers-rumors-contract-dee-ford-restructure-free-agency |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=Niners Nation}} He was placed on injured reserve with an MCL sprain on October 3, 2022.{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2022 |title=49ers Promote Willie Snead IV; Place Azeez Al-Shaair on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-promote-willie-snead-iv-place-azeez-al-shaair-on-injured-reserve |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=49ers.com}} He was activated on November 12.{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2022 |title=49ers Activate Four Players From Injured Reserve; Place Verrett on IR |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-activate-four-players-from-injured-reserve-place-verrett-on-ir |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=49ers.com}}
=Tennessee Titans=
File:Azeez Al-Shaair Titans vs Chargers.png
On March 20, 2023, Al-Shaair signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Titans Agree to Terms With Former 49ers LB Azeez Al-Shaair |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-agree-to-terms-with-former-49ers-lb-azeez-al-shaair |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=TennesseeTitans.com}} He started all 17 games and finished fifth in the league with 163 tackles.{{Cite web |title=Azeez Al-Shaair 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlShAz00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/defense.htm |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Houston Texans=
On March 15, 2024, Al-Shaair signed a three-year, $34 million contract with the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Houston Texans Transactions (03-15-2024) |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-03-15-2024 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=HoustonTexans.com |language=en-US}} Following Week 3, he was fined $11,000 for punching Chicago Bears running back, Roschon Johnson, despite Al-Shaair not being ejected from the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-azeez-al-shaair-fined-11-000-for-punching-roschon-johnson|work=NBCSports.com|first=Charean|last=Williams|title=Report: Azeez Al-Shaair fined $11,000 for punching Roschon Johnson|date=September 19, 2024|accessdate=December 4, 2024}} He was issued a second fine for $11,255 after a late hit out of bounds on Tennessee Titans running back, Tony Pollard.{{cite web|date=2024-12-02|title=Al-Shaair apologizes to Lawrence after illegal hit on defenseless quarterback|website=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/dec/02/al-shaair-apologizes-to-lawrence-after-hit-on-defenseless-quarterback|access-date=2024-12-02}}
On December 1, 2024, Al-Shaair delivered an illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, after the latter had slid.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Juston |date=December 1, 2024 |title=Trevor Lawrence knocked out of game vs. Texans on dirty hit; Jaguars-Texans fight |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/jaguars/2024/12/01/trevor-lawrence-hit-jacksonville-jaguars-houston-texans-fight/76689952007/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}} Lawrence was ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion and Al-Shaair was ejected. A fight erupted between Al-Shaair and several Jaguar players, with Jacksonville cornerback, Jarrian Jones, also getting ejected.{{Cite web |last=Joseph |first=Andrew |date=2024-12-01 |title=NFL fans were furious after Texans LB Aziz Al-Shaair's dangerous cheap shot on Trevor Lawrence |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2024/12/texans-lb-aziz-al-shaair-ejected-trevor-lawrence-hit |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=For The Win|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rapp |first=Timothy |date=December 1, 2024 |title=Video: Azeez Al-Shaair, Jarrian Jones Ejected; Trevor Lawrence Injured on Illegal Hit |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145405-video-azeez-al-shaair-jarrian-jones-ejected-trevor-lawrence-injured-on-illegal-hit |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} Al-Shaair publicly apologized via social media for the hit the next day. Two days after the game, Al-Shaair was suspended for three games with Jon Runyan, the NFL's Vice President of the Policy and Rules, writing in the suspension letter that Al-Shaair's "continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both [him] and [his] opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated."{{cite news |last1=Simmons |first1=Myles |title=Azeez Al-Shaair suspended for three games |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/azeez-al-shaair-suspended-for-three-games |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=NBC Sports |date=3 December 2024}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| Bold
| Career high |
= Regular season =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="4"| Fumbles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | |
| 2019 | SF
| 15 || 4 || 18 || 11 || 7 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | SF
| 16 || 5 || 35 || 22 || 18 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 2 | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | SF
| 13 || 13 || 102 || 58 || 44 || 2.0 || 1 || 2 || 12 || 0 || 1 || 24 || 24.0 || 24 || 0 || 5 | |||||||||||||||
| 2022 | SF
| 12 || 9 || 44 || 20 || 24 || 0.0 || 0 || 1 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | TEN
| 17 || 17 || 163 || 84 || 79 || 2.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 4 | |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | HOU
| 11 || 11 || 70 || 45 || 25 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 4 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlShAz00.htm Career] | 73 | 48 | 362 | 195 | 167 | 6.0 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 24 | 24.0 | 24 | 0 | 11 |
= Postseason =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="4"| Fumbles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | |
| 2021 | SF
| 3 || 1 || 13 || 7 || 6 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2022 | SF
| 3 || 3 || 12 || 6 || 6 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlShAz00.htm Career] | 6 | 4 | 25 | 13 | 12 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Personal life
Al-Shaair is a practicing Muslim and fasts during Ramadan, including when he was participating in FAU's summer practices.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Tim |date=August 27, 2018 |title=High hopes: FAU star LB Azeez Al-Shaair has overcome plenty |url=https://apnews.com/a0a9589108e9496099fd056058f3d82b |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=APNews.com}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
{{footballstats|espn=3919117|yahoo=32318|nfl=azeez-al-shaair}}
- [https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/azeez-al-shaair/ Houston Texans bio]
- [https://fausports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=658 FAU Owls bio]
{{Houston Texans roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shaair, Azeez}}
Category:African-American Muslims
Category:Players of American football from Tampa, Florida
Category:American football linebackers
Category:San Francisco 49ers players
Category:Florida Atlantic Owls football players
Category:Tennessee Titans players
Category:American homeless people