This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact The Epoch Times Reprints.
Azeez al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a turnover against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on January 18, 2026. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Azeez Al-Shaair went from suspension to extension in the span of two years.
Al-Shaair was suspended for three games for a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence late in 2024. But he redeemed himself, becoming one of the leaders of the NFL’s top-ranked defense, and was rewarded with a three-year, $54 million contract last week.
John Rigolizzo is a writer from South Jersey. He previously wrote for the Daily Caller, Daily Wire, Campus Reform, and the America First Policy Institute.
