Even the GOAT, Tom Brady, said that it’s the nature of the defenders to tackle aggressively. But nothing worked for the Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair. The NFL suspended him for 3 games after his tackle on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The team tried to reverse the decision through an appeal, but failed.

Appeals officer Ramon Foster upheld the 3-game decision. In that scenario, he is set to miss 3 key games. The first is the week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins, followed by the Chiefs in week 16, and Ravens in week 17. That’s an immense blow. The Texans will miss their defensive captain. But what exactly happened that forced the NFL to take this big decision?

For those of you who didn’t watch it yet, here are the details. On 4:15 mark in the 2nd quarter, Jaguars QB was pressing ahead with the ball on 2nd & 7, but Azeez Al-Shaair tackled him and hit his head with his forearm. The hit was brutal. So intense that the ball dropped out of QB’s hands, his head hit the turf and his right hand just stayed in the air.

For a few seconds, it felt like he could not move his body. Lawrence concussed his head and was placed on the injured reserve (IR) list. A massive sideline brawl erupted. It was anger and chaos all over the place. And the league had to set an example from this scenario.

While the officials ejected the linebacker from the game after the hit, the NFL also slammed the player for his act. It was a powerful message.

NFL gives a strong message to Azeez Al-Shaair

Many fans called the tackle ‘a dirty hit’ and demanded a season ban on the Texans linebacker. Even when he was leaving the field, fans threw things at him, venting their feelings. The league was also not happy.

NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan was also angry with him and said, “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.” That’s a clear message that Azeez Al-Shaair needs to change his football style.

However, a few ex-NFL players, including Richard Sherman, weren’t in favor of suspension. He urged the fans to understand the violent nature of the game. He also pointed the fact that if they wanted to hurt the QB intentionally, there were several other ways to do it.

It’s a tough situation for the Jaguars. They have a 2-10 win-loss record. But Texans need to be careful. Other players too. Sometimes, the risk outweighs the outcome.