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Controversial Texans Star Azeez Al-Shaair Escapes NFL Suspension Thanks to New NFLPA Rule Despite Another Fine

Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined every single season since 2020. His latest five-figure fine of $17,911 for a hit on Josh Downs could have triggered an immediate suspension, but a new 2026 NFLPA rule gave him a clean slate and…

By Soheli Tarafdar · Essentially Sports

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 4:13 AM

Key Things to Know

Azeez Al-Shaair avoided an NFL suspension under a new NFLPA clean-slate policy despite receiving a $17,911 fine.
The fine was issued for an unpenalized helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts receiver Josh Downs.
A new 2026 three-strike system wiped prior disciplinary records and now requires three violations before triggering an automatic suspension.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair avoided an NFL suspension despite receiving a $17,911 fine for unnecessary roughness against Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs. Under previous league rules, Al-Shaair risked an immediate ban as a repeat offender. However, a new NFL-NFLPA agreement for 2026 granted all players a clean slate under a new three-strike disciplinary system, classifying this recent penalty as only his first strike.

Despite avoiding a league suspension, Al-Shaair will still miss Houston's upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys due to a groin injury. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans listed the defensive captain as week-to-week following the injury suffered in Week 3.

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