Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt knows that tackling is a part of the game of football.
Much like other players, he is not a fan of the elongated suspension for Azeez Al-Shaair following the hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
During a segment on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the three-time Defensive Player of the Year voiced his opinion on how the league has handled the situation that occurred in Week 13. He understands both sides, but it’s clear the defender has a soft spot for the defensive player.
“The Azeez Al-Shaair hit looked brutal and you hope that Trevor Lawrence is gonna be okay..
I do think that there’s justification for punishment there but I also think that the punishment is extremely harsh” ~ @JJWatt #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/ajEHOovdNr
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 4, 2024
“You want Trevor to be okay and that’s hands down first and foremost, No. 1,” Watt told McAfee and co-host A.J. Hawk. “I do think that there’s justification for punishment there, no doubt. I do also think that the punishment is extremely harsh.”
Al-Shaair, who plans to appeal the case on Wednesday with NFLPA representative Ramon Foster, was ejected from the game after the hit. The league office stated as to why Al-Shaair would be suspended, calling out his “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football.”
Texans general manager Nick Caserio called out the NFL for its wording in the letter against Al-Shaair. Watt echoed a similar sentiment.
“If you listen to the comparisons of other punishments that have been handed down across the league and you look at the history and the precedent there, the inconsistency in the punishment is an issue, but I understand a punishment should be handed down,” Watt said.
The Texans enter the bye week at 8-5. Should Al-Shaair’s suspension hold, he won’t be clear to return until Week 18’s season finale matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
