Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair Makes Statement On and Off the Field in Playoff Loss to Patriots
In a game that was supposed to be about football, Azeez Al-Shaair made sure the conversation extended beyond the gridiron.
The Houston Texans linebacker turned in a gritty performance against the New England Patriots, leading the defense with nine tackles and recovering two fumbles. But it wasn’t just his play that drew attention. Al-Shaair took the field with the words “stop the genocide” written on his eye black-an unapproved personal message that resulted in an $11,593 fine from the NFL.
Al-Shaair later acknowledged he knew the consequences before ever stepping on the field.
“I knew that that was a fine,” he told reporters after the game. “I understood what I was doing … I was told that if I wore that in the game, I would be pulled out the game. I think that was the part that I was confused about.”
While the league has strict rules about personal messages on uniforms and equipment, Al-Shaair made it clear his decision wasn’t about defiance-it was about awareness. He spoke openly about the discomfort his message may have caused, and how that discomfort pales in comparison to the suffering he was trying to highlight.
“At the end of the day, it’s bigger than me, the things that are going on,” he said. “It makes people uncomfortable-imagine how those people feel.
I think that’s the biggest thing. I have no affiliation, no connection to these people other than the fact that I’m a human being.”
Al-Shaair’s comments were raw and emotional, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a player who sees the game as a platform, not a shield.
“If you have a heart, then you are a human being and you can see what’s going on in the world and check yourself real quick,” he said. “When I’m walking off this field, that’s the type of stuff that goes through my head-that I have to check myself when I’m sitting here crying about football when there’s people dying every day.”
Texans Fall Short, Despite Defensive Effort
While Al-Shaair’s message sparked conversation, the Texans’ season came to a close with a 28-16 loss to the Patriots in the divisional round. Houston’s defense, led by Al-Shaair’s active presence, did its part to keep things competitive. The linebacker was flying around the field, recovering two fumbles and setting the tone with his physicality.
But the Texans couldn’t overcome a rough outing from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The young signal-caller struggled to find rhythm, completing just 20 of 47 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. He was also sacked three times, as New England’s defense dialed up the pressure and forced mistakes at key moments.
The Patriots now move on to the AFC Championship Game, while the Texans are left to reflect on a season that showed promise-but ended with missed opportunities.
Still, for Al-Shaair, Sunday’s game was about more than a box score. It was a moment to speak out, to stand for something, and to remind fans that sometimes, what happens off the field can be just as impactful as what happens between the lines.