Azeez Al-Shaair Earns First Pro Bowl Nod as Texans Send Four Starters to All-Star Roster
The Houston Texans are making noise this season - and now, the rest of the league is officially taking notice. Middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been named to the Pro Bowl roster, joining teammates Will Anderson Jr., Nico Collins, and Derek Stingley Jr. as starters. For Al-Shaair, this marks his first Pro Bowl selection - a well-earned recognition for a player who’s been the heart and soul of DeMeco Ryans’ defense.
Let’s be clear: Al-Shaair hasn’t just been good this year - he’s been a force. He leads the Texans with 96 tackles, and his stat sheet doesn’t stop there.
He’s added two sacks, picked off a pass, and posted a career-high eight pass breakups. That kind of production from the middle linebacker spot is the stuff that sets the tone for an entire unit.
And in Houston’s case, it has.
This defense, under Ryans’ leadership, has been one of the stingiest in the league in both total yards and scoring. Al-Shaair’s sideline-to-sideline range, physicality, and leadership have been central to that success. He’s not just calling the plays - he’s making them.
And he’s doing it all while being recognized for his off-the-field impact as well. Al-Shaair was honored as a Walter Payton Man of the Year candidate, showcasing the kind of complete leader Houston has in the middle of its defense.
He’s not the only Texan making waves. Will Anderson Jr. has continued to develop into a disruptive edge presence, Nico Collins has emerged as a go-to weapon in the passing game, and Derek Stingley Jr. has been locking things down in the secondary. All three were named Pro Bowl starters earlier in the season, and now Al-Shaair joins them to round out a strong Houston contingent.
Across the league, the Ravens, Broncos, 49ers, and Seahawks each lead the way with six Pro Bowl selections. The Texans aren’t far behind - and they’ve got more talent waiting in the wings. Safety Calen Bullock, nickel corner Jalen Pitre, and rookie corner Kamari Lassiter were all named as alternates, a nod to the depth and growth of this Texans roster.
But let’s be honest - in Houston, the Pro Bowl isn’t the ultimate goal. The Texans have their eyes on something bigger.
If all goes according to plan, none of these players will be suiting up for the Pro Bowl festivities in San Francisco on February 3. That’s because the Super Bowl kicks off a week later, and the Texans are squarely in the hunt.
Still, for now, this Pro Bowl recognition is a moment to appreciate just how far this team has come - and how bright the future looks in Houston.