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Azeez Al-Shaair

Linebacker · Florida Atlantic

Azeez Al-Shaair is a Houston Texans linebacker who broke through as one of the NFL's top off-ball defenders in 2025.

Al-Shaair went undrafted out of Florida Atlantic in 2019 and clawed his way into a starting role, first in San Francisco and then in Tennessee. He signed with Houston ahead of the 2024 season and became the heartbeat of a defense that ranked among the league's best. In 2025 he led the team in tackles and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

★ First Pro Bowl selection (2025)

★ Led the Houston Texans in tackles (2025)

★ Texans' top-graded run and coverage linebacker by PFF (2025)

Path to the league

Al-Shaair starred at Florida Atlantic but slipped through the 2019 draft and signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He carved out a role on special teams before working his way into San Francisco's linebacker rotation. A stint with the Titans followed before he landed in Houston, where he found a long-term home under head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Career highlights

Al-Shaair has built a reputation as a downhill, physical run defender who can hold up in coverage. His 2025 campaign in Houston represented a career peak, as he anchored the middle of a defense that finished among the NFL's stingiest units. Pro Football Focus graded him as the Texans' top performer in run defense and coverage.

2025 season

Per the Houston Texans and Pro Football Focus, Al-Shaair recorded 103 tackles, nine passes defensed with two interceptions, one forced fumble and a recovery over 16 regular-season games. He led the team in tackles and was named to his first career Pro Bowl, capping a season in which he served as the defensive signal-caller.