Azeez Al-Shaair to Play in First Pro Bowl Games

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Azeez Al-Shaair, a Florida Atlantic football alumnus and current linebacker for the Houston Texans, has been selected to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his NFL career. This honor comes in his seventh season as an NFL player.

Al-Shaair’s achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that a former Owl is represented in the league’s prestigious all-star game. His college teammate, Trey Hendrickson, who plays defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, was selected for four straight seasons from 2021 to 2024. Another Owl alum, running back Alfred Morris, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and 2014.

This season, Al-Shaair has established himself as a key player on Houston’s top scoring defense. He leads the Texans with 96 tackles while appearing in 14 out of 15 games. Al-Shaair also has eight pass breakups, the highest among linebackers on the team, along with two takeaways comprising a fumble recovery and an interception.

Al-Shaair, who serves as a team captain for the Texans, was recognized for his charitable efforts off the field. He won the 2025 club award for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award and is in contention for the league-wide honor, which will be announced in February.

Currently, there are nine former Florida Atlantic players on NFL rosters, with six on active squads. In Week 16, Al-Shaair’s teammate Harrison Bryant, along with New York Giants running back Devin Singletary, featured on the field alongside him.

The Pro Bowl festivities will take place on February 3 in San Francisco, prior to the Super Bowl scheduled for February 10. Al-Shaair’s selection is a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his dedication and performance throughout the season.