Azeez Al-Shaair calls out ‘racist’ fans over backlash for ‘dirty hit’ against Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: Football fans had to witness one of the most jarring hits in recent NFL history at the Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida this weekend. Unfortunately for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, he was on the receiving end of it.

In a heated game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, December 1, Lawrence was attempting a slide when he was blindsided by a helmet-to-helmet hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

The aftermath was fraught with chaos, ejections, and controversy that extended far beyond the field.

Trevor Lawrence has helmet-to-helmet collision with Azeez Al-Shaair

It was a textbook example of a hit gone horribly wrong. As Trevor Lawrence slid to end the play, Azeez Al-Shaair came in hot — his helmet colliding with Lawrence’s in a way that had fans, players, and coaches holding their breath. The impact was so severe that Lawrence froze up on the field, a scary moment that had Jaguars players rushing to his defense.

Here's the hit from another angle:

The hit earned Al-Shaair an ejection, with Jaguars fans venting their fury by pelting him trash as he exited the field.

Meanwhile, Lawrence was whisked away for evaluation under the NFL’s concussion protocol, leaving the Jaguars’ sideline visibly shaken.

Hours later, Lawrence took to X, formerly Twitter to let everyone know he was on the mend: “Back home and feeling better. Appreciate the love and support.”

The Jaguars weren’t going to let the hit slide. Tight end Evan Engram was one of the first to confront Al-Shaair on the field, and he didn’t mince words when speaking to the media afterward.

“It was a dirty hit,” Engram said. “Trev was going down, and I saw it out of my periphery. I got a pretty clear view of it, and in that moment instinctively it just didn’t feel like a clean hit, so I was just going to stick up for my quarterback.”

Engram’s comments set the tone for fans and analysts alike, many of whom called for Al-Shaair to face additional discipline including a possible suspension, Whiskey Riff reported.

Controversy beyond the field

While the NFL deliberates over potential punishment, the incident sparked debates that went beyond football. Social media lit up with criticism of Azeez Al-Shaair—not just for the hit but for the cleats he wore during the game, which featured a pro-Palestinian message.

The backlash grew louder after Al-Shaair issued a statement addressing the incident. In it, he apologized to Lawrence but also pushed back against what he described as “racist and Islamophobic” attacks from fans.

“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same which is provide for our families!" he wrote.

"I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor, I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game, we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary'," Al-Shaair continued.

"To the rest of his teammates, I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that. To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has never been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart," he concluded.

Internet slams Azeez Al-Shaair

Azeez Al-Shaair’s apology only fueled the backlash, with critics pointing out previous incidents where his aggressive play crossed the line — suggesting that the linebacker has a history of “dirty” hits.

"This might mean something if you weren’t already a dirty player," one posted on X.

"'Never with the intent to harm anyone.' Greatest lie ever told. Your track record speaks for itself," another wrote.

"Nah. It’d be different if it were a one-time thing but you been dirty all year," someone else noted.

"Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern. My brother in Christ this is the 50th time," read a comment.

"Hope you’re out of the league asap," another offered.

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