Posted on Jan 02

Azeez Al-Shaair opens up about mental struggles, suspension, and return to football

u/alex • 2w

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair opens up about his mental state and suspension following a hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Why it matters: Al-Shaair's revelations shed light on the emotional toll that players can experience after being involved in controversial plays and facing disciplinary action.

Al-Shaair's hit on Lawrence resulted in a concussion for the rookie quarterback and led to a three-game suspension for the Texans linebacker. Here's what you need to know:

Al-Shaair described being in a "really dark place" and questioning if he would play football again, highlighting the significant impact the incident had on his mental well-being.
The linebacker met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and league executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan to discuss the situation, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
While Al-Shaair disagreed with how he was characterized in the letter informing him of the suspension, the negotiation process remained ongoing.
Messages of encouragement from children at a foster care organization motivated Al-Shaair to stay positive and focus on spreading positivity despite feeling misjudged.
After serving his suspension, Al-Shaair made his return to the field for the Texans' game against the Titans.

What to watch: Al-Shaair's story highlights the need for careful consideration of the mental health implications arising from on-field incidents and subsequent suspensions. It underscores the importance of providing support and resources for players during challenging times.

The bottom line: While the physical aspects of the game often take center stage, Al-Shaair's experience serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that players may face and the significance of addressing their mental well-being alongside physical recovery.

#azeez-al-shaair #nfl

Azeez Al-Shaair opens up about mental struggles, suspension, and return to football

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair opens up about his mental state and suspension following a hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Why it matters: Al-Shaair's revelations shed light on the emotional toll that players can experience after being involved in controversial plays and facing disciplinary action.

Al-Shaair's hit on Lawrence resulted in a concussion for the rookie quarterback and led to a three-game suspension for the Texans linebacker. Here's what you need to know:

Al-Shaair described being in a "really dark place" and questioning if he would play football again, highlighting the significant impact the incident had on his mental well-being.

The linebacker met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and league executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan to discuss the situation, indicating the seriousness of the matter.

While Al-Shaair disagreed with how he was characterized in the letter informing him of the suspension, the negotiation process remained ongoing.

Messages of encouragement from children at a foster care organization motivated Al-Shaair to stay positive and focus on spreading positivity despite feeling misjudged.

After serving his suspension, Al-Shaair made his return to the field for the Texans' game against the Titans.