HOUSTON – When Texans veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair chased down Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to the sideline, he delivered a hard, legal hit with his shoulder that sent the top overall pick flying to the ground.
There was no penalty for a late hit in what would have been a close call, but the Bears’ players were irate about the play. Al-Shaair was quickly surrounded by Williams’ teammates. And Al-Shaair emphasized after the game that he was being disrespected by the Bears’ players verbally and being shoved by players both in uniform and not in uniform.
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So, Al-Shaair said he felt the need to defend himself. He punched Bears backup running back Roschon Johnson in the facemask. The officials missed the punch and Al-Shaair wasn’t penalized or ejected in the Texans’ 19-13 victory, but a big fine could be coming from the league office.
“It was stuff obviously I can’t repeat,” Al-Shaair told KPRC 2 inside the Texans’ locker room after the game. “I respect the game. A lot of guys think they’re tough when they’ve got pads on and stuff, but I know how it is. I grew up different. There are some things that you say that you got to speak on and answer for, and I felt like there was some crazy things said. I’m trying to get up and dudes are pushing me to the ground. For me, I see a swarm of orange and I’m trying to protect myself. People saying all kinds of things and stuff like that you don’t take it lightly.”
'Not my proudest moment' #Texans Azeez Al-Shaair said #Bears players in uniform and not in uniform said 'disrespectful' things and put their hands on him he said he felt like he had no choice but to defend himself @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/3RDKD1LlvF
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 16, 2024
Johnson, a former University of Texas player, didn’t retaliate after he was punched and wrote on social media: “It took every bit of my soul not to thrash that boy.”
Al-Shaair understands there may be financial consequences coming his way from the NFL as a result of his retaliation.
“Honestly when I got up and felt them push me to the ground, my instincts kicked in, trying to protect myself,” Al-Shaair said. “I didn’t see what happened until after I pushed him, punched him, whatever it is, I got to respect whatever comes with that. Obviously, I understand that’s not acceptable. That’s obviously not who I’m trying to be. I’m not trying to be a fake tough guy. I’ve played in this league for six years. I haven’t had anything like that happen. For that to happen on national television, that’s not my proudest moment.
“I take full accountability. In that aspect, my instincts kicked in. People saying all kind of crazy stuff, putting their hands on me, pushing on me. Some of those people didn’t even have pads on. I’m just confused. Why are you putting your hands on me. That’s the first lesson from kindergarten: Keep your hands to yourself.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
