Texans Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair Appears To Punch Opposing Player
01/11/2025 06:26 PM
Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair made numerous headlines with his late hit on Trevor Lawrence earlier this season and now he's receiving even more attention from fans for one of his actions in Saturday's playoff game.
After Justin Herbert completed a pass to Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Al-Shaair could be seen striking the Bolts rookie in the helmet with his fist.
"Azeez Al-Shaair punching Ladd McConkey in the head. Dirtiest player in the league," a fan claimed.
Azeez Al-Shaair punching Ladd McConkey in the head.
— keanu (@keanukarg) January 11, 2025
Dirtiest player in the league pic.twitter.com/upW1VWNNcf
Some called it a punch but others debated it on social media.
"Interesting tactic by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair," LA Times writer Sam Farmer said.
"Imagine getting suspended for three games for a dirty hit and coming back ready to do just that," another replied.
"I'm the #1 Texans hater, I hate their city, their colors, their logo, 95% of their fans, and Azeez Al-Shaair ... But this is a punch out attempt," a user commented.
"Ladd is very clearly down here. There zero reason to be punching for the ball," another fan shot back.
"Does Demeco Ryans coach this?" another person asked.
"Clearly trying to punch the ball out, but he could do a ton of damage punching a helmet so I understand the concern."
Al-Shaair served a three-game suspension for his actions back in Week 13. This appears to just be the latest in a number of questionable acts by the 27-year-old LB.
Do you think Al-Shaair's punch was intentional? Or was he just trying to make a play on the ball?
Related: 'That Was Painful' - Fans Mock National Anthem For NFL Playoff Game