special: NFL legend Joe Theismann just happened to be playing in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ game against the Houston Texans on December 1. 1.
Seven games took place at 1:00 PM that day, including one featuring Theismann’s former team, the Washington Commanders. So he went to watch the game that ended up being one of the most controversial moments of the NFL season.
Theismann saw the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence get hit illegally by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in the second quarter when the defender tried to slide down the play. It was either player’s last play of the season. Al-Shahir was sent off and banned for three games, while Lawrence was placed on the bench at the end of the season.
“It’s a violent sport, people hit each other and sometimes things happen,” Thessmann told Fox News Digital. “Obviously the league really made that decision and gave him a three-game suspension, so they feel that. That maybe (Al-Sha’ir) could control their hitting a little more.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was ejected from a hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during the period. End of the game on December 13, March 1, 2024 at Everbank Stadium. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)
For Theismann, it was a moment similar to the last time he played in the NFL, 39 years ago. In November of the 1985 season, Theismann was intercepted by New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor on a play that left the former’s legs. The quarterback broke and his playing career ended.
Hitting Lawrence wouldn’t have nearly the same impact. But it left him with a concussion and sparked a major altercation between teammates. But Theismann also believes it’s a moment that should also spark discussion about moving up quarterback.
“The defender shifts. Now they’ll have to revisit it a bit. As a defender you must also consider how to protect yourself. I tell the players this all the time. Don’t let the rules or regulations The officers protect you. Protect yourself,” Theismann said.
“If you’re going to slide Men will slide because of this. Might slide a little faster. a little faster So you try and hope that something like this is used in a positive way so that we don’t ever see this happen again.”
Theismann declined to comment on whether he thought Al-Shaair’s suspension was reasonable.
Famed NFL quarterback Tom Brady had similar remarks about Theismann’s during an interview on “The Herd” on December 1, 3.
Navy pulls military out of upset with Trump, star-studded group in attendance
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Aziz Al-Shaar at Everbank Stadium. Diem in Jacksonville, Florida on December 1, 1 Nov 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Image)
“Defensive players have to be aggressive. That’s their nature,” Brady said. “Defenders have to take better care of themselves…when you run. You are in great danger. When you do that, I don’t think the responsibility for protecting the running back should be on the defensive player. I don’t think it’s fair on the defense.”
Brady also said he disagrees with the idea that Al-Sha’ir’s hit indicates that the defenseman is “a tough guy.” “Dirty players”
However, others were far more critical of al-Sha’ir.
Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, said: disgusting words about al-Sha’ir shortly after the incident Amid fierce backlash against linebackers on offense
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach and enjoy watching it. It is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL… Your continued disregard for the NFL’s playing rules makes… The health and safety of both you and your opponent are at risk and will not be tolerated,” Runyan said.
Al-Sha’ir apologized for the attack. and confirmed that it was not intentional But the response was so strong that he responded in many ways.
Al-Sha’ir also spoke out against “racist and Islamophobic fans” following the public response to the incident, with many fans censoring his clothing. Palestine Pro Football Boots
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Players fought after Houston Texans defensive lineman Aziz Al-Shaair collided with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It was December, October 1, 2024, in Jacksonville. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
“To the rest of the people I have been called every name in the book, from journalists ready to dig into stories to find the bad guys, to fans and people who are racist and Islamophobic. You don’t know my heart or my heart. A character that I don’t need to prove to anyone. God knows my intentions. And anyone who is a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart,” he wrote in a statement.
After it was announced that Al-Shaair’s appeal against his three-game ban had been rejected, he sent a different tone of message on Wednesday.
Al-Shaair posted a collection of photos on Instagram with the caption: “If you want me to be your villain I will be your villain! meet again”
The four photos he posted were of him on the field. Palestine Pro Football Boots Heath’s photo Ledger as the Joker and the words said “It is beautiful to be rejected, misunderstood, invisible and unprotected by people. It teaches you to rely on Allah for everything.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s Sports coverage onand apply for membership Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter–
