Texans' Al-Shaair apologizes for late hit on Jaguars' Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair apologized Monday for delivering a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Sunday's game.

"I've always played the game as hard as I could," Al-Shaair wrote on X. "Never with the intent to harm anyone, and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, then I pray you're able to get up and play the next play."

Al-Shaair's hit in the second quarter led to a fight between the teams. Lawrence was carted off the field and ruled out of the game with a concussion shortly after.

"To Trevor, I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening," Al-Shaair said. "Before the game, we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them, especially one that's deemed 'late' or 'unnecessary.'"

Al-Shaair added that he understood why Lawrence's teammates defended him following the hit. However, he said that others don't know his heart or character and that he doesn't "need to prove" it to them.

The 27-year-old was ejected from Sunday's contest, which Houston won 23-20.

Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and is expected to start next Sunday against the Tennessee Titans if Lawrence remains in the league's concussion protocol.