During Sunday's game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, linebacker Azeez Al-Shair knocked quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of the game with a concussion.
Only… it wasn't quite that easy.
Al-Shair hit a sliding Lawrence with one of the dirtiest hits you'll see in the NFL this season. This resulted in his expulsion and will also likely result in a fine and suspension.
The hit sparked several scuffles on the field and led to widespread criticism, including from New York Giants legend Michael Strahan, who tackled Al-Shaair during the FOX Sports halftime show.
The Fox studio guys weigh in on Azeez Al-Shaair's cheap shot at Trevor Lawrence.
— The Comeback NFL (@TheComebackNFL)
“I think he threw himself out of the game,” Strahan said. via the New York Post. “I personally think he did that because he realized that if he had stayed in that game he wouldn't be protected for that game because what he did – everyone knows as a defensive player – you don't do that. “
“They’re just getting Trevor Lawrence back. Missed two games with a shoulder injury. You hate to see that happen to him in something so unnecessary because regardless of offense and defense and how you feel, you protect your players. You protect your boys. We have a lot of respect for each other on the field, even when competing. That was inappropriate.”
Al-Shair expressed no remorse immediately after the goal, tore his helmet off while bending and threatened to fight several players and fans.
Eventually, Lawrence was carted to the locker room and diagnosed with a concussion, his second in less than a calendar year. After the game, he left the stadium with his wife Marissa posted an encouraging update on X.