Getty Image / Mike Carlson
The NFL is, obviously, a very violent league with bone-crushing hits every week. But, sometimes, we see a hit flagrantly cross the line of what is acceptable, and that’s exactly what happened during Sunday’s AFC South divisional matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans on Sunday.
In the second quarter of a tight game, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slid down after running for a first down, and was hit with a vicious cheap shot by Texans linebacer Azeez Al-Shaair that led to a brawl and ejections.
Let’s take a look at the hit and ensuing brawl.
Trevor Lawrence was hit late while trying to slide, which led to exchanges between Jags and Texans players. pic.twitter.com/34jwjiDLcN
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 1, 2024
There’s a lot of debate over what should and shouldn’t be considered a legal hit in the NFL and to what level the NFL should look to take violence out of the game. I think everyone can agree that a hit like that has absolutely no place in the game.
Al-Shaair was ejected, and Trevor Lawrence has also been ruled out after being carted off. Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was also ejected for his role in the ensuing melee.
Ironcially, the Jaguars didn’t even benefit from the hit. The Jaguars were also called for a personal foul penalty, which meant the penalties offset. So, essentially, Trevor Lawrence took a vicious cheap shot for nothing.
Expect Azeez Al-Shaair to be suspended by the league office, as this isn’t his first incident.
Azeez Al-Shaair punches Roschon Johnson who wasn't even in the game pic.twitter.com/s7rM7qzHJv
— Dave (@dave_bfr) September 16, 2024