Azeez Al-Shaair

BIOGRAPHY

Azeez Al-Shaair, an American professional football linebacker, was born on August 4, 1997. Currently, he plays for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). However, this piece is not just about his professional life. It traces Azeez’s early life, college football journey, remarkable achievements, and his personal life, unraveling the story of this unique and inspiring athlete.

Al-Shaair was born in Tampa, Florida. He spent his early life shuttling between Tampa and Saudi Arabia, thanks to his father’s career as an English instructor. Unfortunately, his parents’ divorce ended this international childhood experience. Post-divorce, Azeez lived in Section 8 housing and, at a young age, had the unfortunate experience of homelessness when his house burned down during his sophomore year in high school. He faced some truly challenging times, commuting two hours by bus from a motel to Hillsborough High School.

Nevertheless, adversities didn’t diminish Azeez’s passion for football, which he played during his high school years. Remarkably, as a senior, he made 126 tackles with 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Furthermore, he blocked six field goals and a punt and was named first-team All-County. Amidst these achievements, he committed to playing college football at Florida Atlantic University before his senior year. As a way to support his family, he continued to attend recruiting visits.

In college, Azeez was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Florida Atlantic Owls. His petite career sketch comprises numerous accomplishments. His freshman year saw him record a team-leading 94 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble, earning him the title of a Freshman All-American, along with the Conference USA All-Freshman team award. His sophomore year was no less remarkable, leading the Owls in tackles and returning an interception for a touchdown. In his junior year, Azeez dominated Conference USA with 147 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, earning him first-team all-conference honors. He entered his senior year on the Butkus Award watchlist, an honor cut short by an ACL tear during an October practice.

Azeez Al-Shaair started his NFL debut exceptionally despite being an undrafted free agent signed on April 27, 2019, by the San Francisco 49ers. His first game found him on the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he contributed two tackles to the 31-17 road victory. Despite making 18 tackles over 15 games with four starts as a rookie, Azeez didn’t appear in any postseason games when the 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV.

In 2020, during Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Al-Shaair recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Carson Wentz. The following season saw him as a starting linebacker for the 49ers. Azeez started 13 games, finishing second on the team with 102 tackles. His contributions didn’t go unnoticed as the 49ers placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on him in March 2022.

Unfortunately, Al-Shaair suffered an MCL sprain, landing him on injured reserve in October 2022. Upon recovery, he was re-activated the following November. March 2023 saw him signing a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. Azeez’s outstanding performance, featuring 163 tackles, ranked him fifth in the league. Following this, Al-Shaair signed a three-year, $34 million contract with the Houston Texans in March 2024.

Beyond the field, Azeez leads a devoted Muslim life. His faith doesn’t waver, even during the testing times of Ramadan, when he fasts while still undertaking rigorous training sessions. A testament to his incredible perseverance and dedication. His story undoubtedly proves that Azeez Al-Shaair is more than just a football player: he’s a testament to endurance, resilience, and the pursuit of passion amidst life’s toughest challenges.