It’s been four months since Azeez Al-Shaair arrived in Houston, but he’s already a household veteran who’s taken control as the leader of the Texans’ defense.
Undrafted out of Florida Atlantic in 2019, Al-Shaair is coming off a career year, finishing top-five in tackles with 163 stops. The 2023 campaign was also the first time he’s been away from Texans coach DeMeco Ryans.
That wasn’t all intentional. Initially, Al-Shaair hoped to follow his former defensive coordinator from San Francisco to Houston, but it never transpired. So he bet on himself to earn more next offseason, inking a one-year deal with rival Tennessee.
Talked to Azeez Al-Shaair (@A_train2_) for the first time as a member of the Houston Texans. He told us he was supposed to sign with the Texans last year, but it didn't work out financially.
This go round, the Texans made it happen:
"I wasn't anticipating going anywhere… pic.twitter.com/g2ahavkjH2
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) May 20, 2024
From Nashville, Al-Shaair watched as the Texans turned their team around with a surprising playoff appearance. Ryans also took a 2-0 season sweep over Al-Shaair as Houston secured its first division title since 2019.
With Blake Cashman leaving in free agency, Al-Shaair became a priority signing once the offseason began. Now proven in a new unit, the Texans came forth with a much more suitable three-year offer.
“He showed he was capable of running the show,“ Ryans said of the signing.
Ryans has handed the keys to Al-Shaair as the team’s new field general. He’s taken the title head-on since arriving in Houston, often setting the tone as an on-field coach during practice.
One week into training camp, everybody’s become accustomed to Al-Shaair’s voice on the field, especially the newcomers still adjusting to life in the pros.
I asked Texans rookie CB Kamari Lassiter if he’s experienced Azeez Al-Shaair’s VERY vocal leadership in action yet.
“I feel like I know what you’re talking about. Not in that matter. And even if it was…you just gotta hear the message, not the tone.”#HTownMade | @ESPN975 pic.twitter.com/m9qWh3BBkI
— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) July 23, 2024
“He’s just giving me game, just telling me little things here and there that are going to help me out,” rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter said. “Even though we play two different positions, he understands the game and the defense very thoroughly.”
Al-Shaair’s tough love comes from a good place. It’s all about wanting his teammates to improve. His teachings aren’t limited to just the linebacker room, either.
“Today, in practice, he got on me because I had made a check real quick that was wrong,“ defensive back Jalen Pitre said following Tuesday’s practice. So, I think that leadership and accountability will do nothing but uplift this team.“
Al-Shaair is similar to Ryans in more ways than one. The latter earned his “Cap” reputation by consistently doing the right thing while leading Houston’s defense years ago to its first postseason appearance under Gary Kubiak.
Houston hopes that Al-Shaair can have a similar effect as it looks to improve in a few areas. The Texans surrendered the 11th fewest points per game (20.8) but ranked in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed.
“Adding Azeez to our team has been really valuable because of his experience, the way he communicates and the leadership he brings when it comes to bringing guys together,“ Ryans said following Friday’s practice.