Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been the definition of “underrated” since going undrafted out of Florida Atlantic.
He’s also been a consistent tackling machine in stops with the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans and Texans. Most recently, he earned his first Pro Bowl honors after racking up over 100 tackles amid a dominant second year with the Texans.
Now, the league is paying attention and ensuring that he can call himself among the best.
Al-Shaair was voted as the No. 92 player among the NFL’s top 100 entering the 2026 NFL season. This makes the first time Al-Shaair has ever received this prestigious designation and ensures that flying under the radar will be a thing of the past.
“I have so much respect for Azeez and how he plays the game. Because he plays it so fast, so physically, so aggressively,” former teammate and current San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “I feel like that’s a big reason of why they’ve been so dominant this year, is because of his leadership and just the way that he plays football.”
Since joining the Texans, Al-Shaair has been a captain and a stable force up the middle. While his numbers were adequate in 2024, he truly turned it up a new level last season amid a 12-win campaign that featured a No. 1 defensive ranking.
The first-time Pro Bowler finished with a team-leading 103 total tackles and elevated the team’s run defense to a top-five finish. He also recorded a sack, nine pass breakups and two interceptions.
For his efforts, the Texans inked him to a new three-year deal worth $54 million, keeping him in Houston through the 2029 season.
“I think I am probably, truthfully, one of the most complete linebackers in the NFL,” Al-Shaair said when named to the top 100.
Other players expected to make the list include defensive back Kamari Lassiter, wide receiver Nico Collins, defensive end Danielle Hunter, two-time All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair first Houston player named to NFL’s top 100 list
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
