Tag: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonvlle Jaguars

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s ‘Villian’ role is officially underway

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair is taking on the “villain” role now as the league announced he would serve a three-game suspension.

You wanted a villain, NFL?

Fine, Azeez Al-Shaair will wear the crown.

The Houston Texans veteran linebacker tweeted Wednesday night that he’s embracing the “villain role” after the league elected to uphold his three-game suspension for a hit in Sunday’s win that left Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence concussed.

“If you want me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” Al-Shaair wrote, followed by a middle finger emoji. “See you soon.”

Al-Shaair met with NFLPA representative Ramon Foster for his appeal meeting on Wednesday. After further review, Foster elected to make sure that the sixth-year linebacker served all three games.

Earlier this week, Al-Shaair issued an apology to Lawrence for the hit. Lawrence was placed on injured reserve Wednesday afternoon.

“To Trevor i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening,” Al-Shaair wrote. “Before the game we spoke and I told you how great it was 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 was ruled ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.'”

Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of policy and rules administration, told Al-Shaair in a letter that the hit was “unacceptable” and that his “continued disregard” for player safety rules “will not be tolerated.

“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL,” Runyan wrote.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio criticized the league for its language in its letter announcing the initial ruling during Tuesday’s press conference and asked for consistency in how it hands out suspensions.

“For the league to make some of the commentary that it made about lack of sportsmanship … lack of paying attention to the rules,” Caserio said. “Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.”

With the suspension being upheld, Al-Shaair will miss the Texans’ games against the Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens on Christmas Day.

He’ll be eligible to return for their regular-season finale against the Titans in Nashville. The sixth-year linebacker will also be forced to give up  $112,745 per game.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. named NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador

Will Anderson Jr. is more than just a player on the field for the Houston Texans.

Will Anderson Jr. is the epitome of “all-around good guy” for the Houston Texans. It’s why he continues to pick the hardware whenever there’s an opportunity.

The Texans announced Anderson as an NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador. Anderson joins current NFL and flag football players, Legends, coaches and officials who work together to raise the global profile and promote one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

According to the Texans public relations department,  U.S. Women’s National Flag Team star and Texas native Ashlea Klam will also represent the Texans as a Global Flag Football Ambassador. Klam has played flag football since the age of 6 and serves as an inspiration to young girls who strive to represent their country by playing the sport they love.

She was recognized on-field at NRG Stadium during the team’s Week 12 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Anderson remains one of the league’s top pass rushers as his second season comes to a close. While sharing the spotlight with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, the former No. 3 overall pick ranks in the top 10 among all defenders in sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (12.5) and QB hits (31).

The Texans travel to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at noon CT.