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An apparent message in support of the Palestinians has cost a Houston Texans star.
Linebacker Azeez al-Shaair was spotted wearing eye black that read “Stop the genocide“, likely regarding 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 wearing 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 wild card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The NFL rule book states in Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 what players may and may not wear on game days. The rule states: “During the entire period on game day when a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including during pre-match warm-ups, in the bench area and during post-match interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message is approved in advance by the League Office.
“The League will not permit any club or player to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through helmet decals, wristbands, jersey patches, mouthpieces or other items affixed to playing uniforms or equipment that relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns otherwise in good taste or endorsed by such campaigns. non-commercial and non-controversial; may not be worn for more than one football season.”
There had been backlash that Al-Shaair wasn’t 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 outcries can now be put to bed. Bosa said it was “worth it” to wear the hat during the “important time.”
Al-Shaair has supported Palestinians in the past, including wearing “Free Palestine” shoes for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” campaign during the 2024 season.
Al-Shaair had written “Free” on one side of his shoes in the colors of the Palestinian flag. On one shoe was written “Surely to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall all return.” On the side of his other shoe, he included the number of Palestinians allegedly killed and wounded in their war with Israel.
Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans talks to his teammates before kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers during 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 for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, which he also supported in 2023.
“I feel like it’s something that’s almost trying to be silenced,” Al-Shaair shared Houston Chronicle then. “On both sides, it’s not right that people are losing their lives. In no way, shape, or form am I validating anything that happened, but consistently saying that because of [Oct. 7] innocent people [in Gaza] should die now, it’s crazy.
“[Other people] try to disconnect and dehumanize people over there. And it’s like, they’re human. As a Muslim we all see the same; Black, white, Spanish, whatever you are; you can be orange, just like we are all human.”
Al-Shaair was also part of the organization Athletes for Ceasefire.
During the match, wearing the Palestinian cleats, Al-Shaair made a tackle Trevor Lawrence which left him with a concussion, leading to backlash and an ejection. In a statement apologizing for the hit, he blasted “racist and Islamophobic fans and people” for attacking him online.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in the second quarter during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
The Texans will face the New England Patriots on Sunday, with the winner going to Denver to face the Broncos for a trip to Super Bowl LX.
