HOUSTON – Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was honored Thursday for his work in the community and dedication to helping others.
Azeez Al-Shaair is the club’s winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the league’s most prestigious honor recognizing players who excel on the field and show exceptional dedication to uplifting their communities with consistent, positive impact.
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“Azeez represents everything it means to be a Houston Texan,” Texans principal owner Cal McNair said. “His leadership and generosity shine in everything he does, whether he’s elevating our defense on the field or investing his time and heart into others off the field. Azeez makes our team and our community better, and we’re incredibly proud to recognize him as our Walter Payton Man of the Year.”
Al-Shaair, whose family experienced homelessness growing up in Tampa, Fla., after a fire destroyed their home, has established himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL after going undrafted out of Florida Atlantic.
Al-Shaair is a two-time team captain.
This year, he spent time with United Way, an organization that helped him and his family. he visited Covenant House with Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross and his teammates to provide support and free haircuts to homeless youth and adults, recognized local firefighters on National First Responders Day, and celebrated the Texans’ Girls Flag Football Program’s Houston champions.
Al-Shaair is a sponsor in the Houston Texans Community Huddle Ticket Program, which gives people who may not otherwise have a chance to attend an NFL game the opportunity to have a unique and special gameday experience. Every Texans home game, students from HYPE Freedom School and Muslim Organization of Sports, Socials, and Education (MOSSE) are treated to tickets, food vouchers and parking passes thanks to his generosity. Most recently, Al-Shaair hosted a movie night at NRG Stadium for students from HYPE Freedom School, a nonprofit that provides youth development services that enhance learning opportunities outside of school time for children who need support. He also mentors the Alief Taylor football team.
Al-Shaair will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal beginning this week through the end of the season.
Fans can vote for Al-Shaair on X by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with his last name or by voting directly at NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will receive an additional $35,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Charity Challenge voting starts today and is open until Jan. 5,
“It means everything to me because when I see these kids, I just see myself,” Al-Shaair said. “As a kid, I always wished I had the opportunity to meet an NFL player to be inspired by. I went through the same highs and lows to get to where I am today, but I’m here because of all the hard work and things I endured to get here. I just want to give people hope.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com