Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair named PFWA local chapter Media Good Guy award winner: ‘Grateful’

HOUSTON – For Azeez Al-Shaair, talking about playing middle linebacker and being a team captain for the Texans’ top-ranked defense is simply another part of his profession.

Al-Shaair embraces that aspect of the game, discussing football matters and more with an introspective, analytical, passionate and insightful manner.

The Pro Bowl selection and Walter Payton Man of the Year club winner was named the Pro Football Writers of America local chapter’s annual Media Good Guy award winner for his candor, cooperation and consistent availability before and after games, in wins or losses.

Al-Shaair was presented with a trophy Wednesday at NRG Stadium. He follows previous Good Guy award winners, Joe Mixon and C.J. Stroud, over the past three years:

“I appreciate you guys,” Al-Shaair said. “I think everybody has a job to do. Every time I talk to you guys, I’m trying to do my job to the best of my ability. You’re dedicated to what you gotta do equally as I’m dedicated to what I do. And I think you understand, this is a profession that we all take serious. Everybody has their aspirations and what they’re trying to accomplish.”

Al-Shaair drew heavy criticism for a concussion-causing hit on a late sliding Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence a year ago and served an NFL suspension. He and the Texans took exception to the language in a disciplinary letter from NFL executive Jon Runyan and defended his character. During that time, Al-Shaair was open and forthright about his emotions as he revealed that he was in a dark place at that time and briefly contemplated walking away from the game.

Al-Shaair is willing to delve into a variety of topics, including his Muslim faith and wide-ranging philanthropy, along with football strategy, offering a window into the game. It’s a two-way street of mutual respect and understanding.

“For me given as much of the insight as I can give, being around you guys all the time, knowing the personalities, knowing the different stories that you guys have written, how far you guys have come individually in your own journeys to get here, it’s no different than me as a player,” Al-Shaair said. “It’s not that hard. I’m definitely grateful for you guys giving me this. I appreciate the work that you guys do for us as well.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com