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An apparent message of support for the Palestinians cost a Houston Texans star dearly.
Linebacker Azeez al-Shaair was spotted wearing black over his eyes that read “Stop the genocide“, likely about the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, last week during the team’s 30-6 playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
ESPN reported Sunday morning that al-Shaair was fined $11,593 for carrying a “personal message,” which violated the league’s uniform and equipment rules.
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Azeez al-Shaair of the Houston Texans shakes hands with Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers after an NFL playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
THE NFL Rulebook states in Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 what players are and are not allowed to wear on match days. The rule states: “During the entire period of game day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including during pre-game warm-ups, on the bench and during post-game interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying or otherwise transmitting personal messages, in writing or by illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office.
“The League will not authorize any club or player to wear, display or otherwise convey any messages, by means of helmet stickers, armbands, jersey patches, mouthpieces or other items affixed to uniforms or playing equipment, that are related to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns. In addition, any approved item must be modest in size, good quality tasteful, non-commercial and non-controversial; should not be worn for more than one football season.”
There has been backlash that Al-Shaair was not punished but San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa was fined for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat last season after a game, but those cries can now be put aside. Bosa said wearing the hat was “worth it” during the “important time.”
Al-Shaair has supported Palestinians in the past, including wearing “Free Palestine” cleats for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” campaign during the 2024 season.
Al-Shaair had “Free” written on one side of his shoes in the colors of the Palestinian flag. On one shoe it was written: “To Allah we belong and to Him we will all return.” On the side of his other shoe, he wrote the number of Palestinians allegedly killed and injured in their war with Israel.
Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans talks to his teammates before kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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The shoes were intended for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, which he also supported in 2023.
“I feel like it’s something that we’re trying to almost silence,” Al-Shaair told Houston Chronicle at the time. “One way or the other, it’s not right that people are losing their lives. In no way am I validating anything that happened, but I constantly say that because of [Oct. 7] innocent people [in Gaza] should now die, it’s crazy.
“[Other people] try to create a disconnect and dehumanize the people there. And it’s like they’re human beings. As a Muslim, we see everyone the same; Black, White, Spanish, whatever you are; you can be orange, like we’re all human beings.
Al-Shaair was also part of the Athletes for Ceasefire organization.
During the match, while wearing Palestinian cleats, Al-Shaair made a tackle on Trevor Lawrence this left him with a concussion, causing a violent reaction and ejection. In a statement apologizing for the stunt, he lashed out at “racist and Islamophobic fans and people” for attacking him online.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides past Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in the second quarter of the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
The Texans will face the New England Patriots on Sunday, with the winner traveling to Denver to face the Broncos for a trip to Super Bowl LX.
