Houston Texans players and coaches defended Azeez Al-Shaair in recent days with the linebacker now facing a three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The best player in Houston history also stood by Al-Shaair on Wednesday.
Former Texans defensive lineman and five-time All-Pro J.J. Watt addressed Al-Shaair's hit and the subsequent suspension during Wednesday's appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Watt took a similar stance as Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio, looking to emphasize two concurrent truths: Al-Shaair's hit on Lawrence was late, unnecessary and likely worthy of a suspension.