Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair got a really neat opportunity on Sunday to thank someone who meant a lot to him as he was growing up.
During Tennessee’s away game at Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers this past weekend, Al-Shaair approached Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans and expressed how he used to watch Evans play while the former was experiencing homelessness in his youth.
Evans seemed genuinely touched by Al-Shaair sharing this memory, as the two greeted each other on the field of competition, as some things really are bigger than the game. This would count as one of those.
.@Titans LB Azeez Al-Shaair struggled with homelessness growing up in the Tampa Bay area.
He got the opportunity to tell @MikeEvans13_ that he grew up watching him and reflect on how far he's come. ❤️🙏 @A_train2_ pic.twitter.com/3scQBesDoK
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2023
This was such a cool moment between Al-Shaair and Evans, as the two likely formed a bond that day that will last past Sunday’s game.
NFL players might never know how many people they inspire with the way they play on Sundays, and how many of those people will one day play alongside them in the league.