Which NFL quarterback took a deliberately hit to his head while merely trying to protect himself? In week 13 against the Texans on December 1st, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence attempted to slide only to be hit in the head, seemingly intentionally, by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The severity of the impact caused Trevor to end up on video in a fencing position, an apparent indicator of a concussion. After the hit, the players’ emotions ran so high that a fight broke out, the referee then ejected Al-Shaair and Jags’ Jarrian Jones. Three days later, the NFL suspended Al-Shaair for three games; Trevor Lawrence was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
The NFL has implemented numerous rule changes over the years to reduce head injuries, recognizing the long-term impacts they can have on players’ lives after football. Some of these rule changes include researching to better understand concussion-causing events, education related to proper technique and talking, and improved helmet safety which the Guardian Cap can do. Biomechanical experts are monitoring player safety with sensors in some helmets and even mouth guards. The NFL has also made nearly 50 rule changes over the past 10 to 15 years to improve safety, including a radical change to the kickoff. So, it’s clear that the NFL has been working to fix these head injuries.
Although Azeez Al-Shaair made a dirty late hit, he apologized to Trevor Lawrence on X, stating, “I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor, I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game, we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them, especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’ To the rest of his teammates, I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that.”
Al-Shaair also faced racist and Islamophobic backlash from some fans, an unacceptable response that highlights ongoing issues of discrimination in sports.
While many think Azeez Al-Shaair is 100% in the wrong, this however is unfair as even the Texans head coach, DeMeco Ryans, suggested Lawrence should share responsibility for the hit. As he stated “We stand behind Azeez and everything that came from that, Of course, unfortunate hit on a quarterback, but it’s twofold. A lot of the quarterbacks in this day and age, try to take advantage of the rule where they slide late, and try to get an extra yard. Now, you’re a defender, and a lot of it is on the defender. … Unfortunately, Trevor got hurt. We hope Trevor’s OK. But, also, if we’re sliding, you have to get down,” according to Yahoo Sports.
It is very sad to see a young quarterback like Trevor Lawrence end his 2024 season this way, as he has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Lawrence even suffered a concussion in 2023 and battled some other injuries that year. He suffered a shoulder injury this year and was finally back from injury on week 13 where he got a concussion. Lawrence is also dealing with a significant AC joint injury in his left, non-throwing shoulder, where he expected to have surgery to repair that injury, which will end his season.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of football and the continued importance of player safety initiatives. While the NFL has made progress in reducing head injuries, events like this highlight areas where further improvements may still be needed. Meanwhile, the debate surrounding accountability both on and off the field continues to shape the future of the game.
