Houston Texans’ linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined $11,593 for wearing eye black with the message ‘Stop the Genocide’ written across during last weekend’s wild card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN reported.
Per ESPN, the message violated the NFL’s uniform and equipment rules by writing the message.
Al-Shaair’s message was referencing Israel’s policies in Gaza, a cause he has supported vehemently for years through the NFL’s ‘My Cause, My Cleats’ program.
Earlier this season, he mentioned, ‘If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for.’
Al-Shaair’s Texans are slated to play the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. ET.
Al-Shaair’s off-field work
Al-Shaair is the Houston Texans’ 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee. His involvement in the Houston community, helping underprivileged, homeless youths as well as single mothers has not gone unnoticed.
The original announcement listing Al-Shaair as the team’s nominee did not mention his pro-Palestinian activism, but anyone who is familiar with Al-Shaair or his charity work knows that pro-Palestinian activism is one of the causes he takes most seriously.
When do the Texans play next?
The Texans’ Divisional Round matchup is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Fans can watch the game on ESPN, or stream the game with Fubo, Sling TV, or NFL+.
Stream Texans vs. Patriots with a Fubo subscription