Latest news with #AzeezAl-Shaair
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN names Jaguars vs. Texans as one of 2025's most 'interesting games'
ESPN names Jaguars vs. Texans as one of 2025's most 'interesting games' While the AFC South might feel like a one-team race entering the 2025 season, there's one game that could define the month of September. The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars' rivalry reached a new peak following last season's hit from linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A brawl ensued on the field and led to the eventual suspension of the Texans' captain. ESPN believes given the outcome of Week 13's showdown in 2024, that will be one of the better games to kickstart a new season under Jaguars' first-year head coach Liam Coen. "I didn't realize this until I saw Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco's note in our full schedule preview: The Jaguars and Texans haven't played since the Azeez Al-Shaair hit that ended Trevor Lawrence's 2024 season and incited a bench-clearing brawl," ESPN's Ben Solak wrote. "Well, they'll play in Week 3. Expect some pregame shenanigans and first drive tone-setting." The Jaguars' revamped offense might have something to do with this game being one of the better early-season matchups. Brian Thomas Jr. was one of the top breakout stars after leading all rookies in receiving yards (1,297) and touchdowns (10). He'll be paired up with No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, who is expected to play both ways to begin his NFL career after a Heisman-caliber season at Colorado. But the Texans could combat a new high-flying passing game with a top-five secondary. Second-year standouts Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter are two rising stars at cornerback and safety following promising rookie debuts. Earlier this offseason, the Texans also traded former first-round bust Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for do-it-all defender C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Since 2022, Gardner-Johnson has totaled 13 interceptions and 23 pass breakups. He's also been an anchor for an Eagles' defense that made it to a pair of Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in New Orleans last February. Jacksonville is projected to finish third in the division behind a first-year coordinator and head coach. Houston is projected to win its first AFC South title, but an early-season loss could flip the script for both sides.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
From the Classroom to the Field: Reliant and Houston Texans Award $60,000 in Scholarships to Six Exceptional Student-Athletes
The Scholarships for Champions program has now awarded more than $780,000 in scholarships to 140 Houston-area students HOUSTON, April 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This week, Reliant and the Houston Texans teamed up to surprise six high school seniors with a head start on their collegiate journeys through Reliant's Scholarships for Champions program. In recognition of the student-athletes' hard work – both on and off the field – the electricity provider and Texans surprised the student-athletes with $10,000 scholarships and a unique "player for a day" experience. Over nearly two decades, 140 Houston-area student athletes have been awarded more than $780,000 in scholarships. These champions have gone on to excel in a diverse range of careers, including at NASA, physicians in training at leading hospital systems, directors of IT, public service, military service members, occupational therapists, data scientists and more. "We are incredibly proud to celebrate the Reliant and Houston Texans' Scholarships for Champions program and to recognize the remarkable support the scholarships have provided to deserving Houston-area high school seniors," said Mark Parsons, senior vice president, Reliant. "Their stories highlight the power of education and athletic excellence, and we're honored to play a small part in their journey to becoming leaders in their communities and beyond." Scholarships for Champions honors students who demonstrate excellence in athletics, academics, and community involvement through their leadership, academic performance and volunteer efforts. Nominated by their teachers, coaches and mentors, these student-athletes consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication and resilience. Meet the 2025 Class The 2025 scholarship recipients come from Houston, Sealy and Tomball ISDs and St. Agnes Academy, showcasing their talents in a wide range of sports, including golf, baseball, water polo, football, swimming, softball, girls flag football, and soccer. Following the surprise check presentations, the students and their supporters had the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive tour of the Houston Texans' facilities and an inspirational Q&A session with Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and Texans Legend Cecil Shorts, before enjoying dinner in NRG Stadium. The 2025 Scholarship for Champions recipients are: Hannah Cole, senior at Westside High School, is in the top 3% of her class and holds a 4-year letterman in softball and swimming and a 3-year letterman in water polo. As captain of all three teams, she leads with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. She continues to excel in both academics and sports, showing incredible resilience and leadership. Laila Holloway, senior at St. Agnes Academy, is a standout student-athlete, earning honors like USA Water Polo Academic All-American and AP Scholar with Honor. She even led her club team to a bronze medal at the 2024 USA Water Polo Junior Olympics and was named MVP. Laila is a strong leader in Jack and Jill of America, a leadership organization supporting African American mothers and their children, serving as Teen Vice President and holding other key roles throughout her tenure. Aiden Martin, senior at Tomball Memorial High School, is a dedicated student-athlete who has earned multiple honors in football including Academic All-District, All-District Offensive MVP and First Team All-District Quarterback in 2023 and 2024. Aiden has been recognized as the TMHS Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and Team MVP in 2024. Beyond athletics, he has completed over 200 hours of community service. Jonathan Martinez, senior at Energized for STEM Academy, is the captain of the varsity soccer team, leading them to the semifinals, and is involved in student council, TAME (Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering) and ROTC. Outside of the classroom, he helps his parents with their business, further demonstrating his impressive work ethic. He is ranked at the top of his class and aims to pursue a career in finance. Colby Nedd, senior at Sealy High School, is in the top 10% of his graduating class and excels both academically and athletically. He has been a key player on the varsity golf and baseball teams, earning the Superlative Fighting Heart Award for his perseverance. Colby maintains all "A's" and is enrolled in dual credit and AP courses through Blinn College and the University of Texas. Jeyssa Rodriguez, senior at Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center, is a dedicated leader, serving as Vice President of the Campus Culture Committee and participating in organizations like National Honor Society. She is the captain of her flag football team and competes in track, cross country, dance, and cheer. She is determined to become a first-generation college graduate and serve others as a nurse. For more information about the program, visit About Reliant, an NRG companyReliant makes power personal - that's why homes and businesses trust Reliant not only as a provider of electricity, but also as a pillar of support in the communities we serve. From a best-in-class app to breakthrough innovations, Reliant is recognized nationally for outstanding customer service and as the leader in the evolving energy space with offerings that span from EV solutions to solar insights to smart home experiences. As part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 energy and home services company, our purpose is to power a brighter future together, one that is safe, smart and sustainable. For more information about Reliant, visit and connect with Reliant on Facebook at and X or Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Megan Talley, Aungelique Martinez, Houston
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Texans restructure LB Azeez Al-Shaair's contract, clear $6.26 million in cap space
Texans restructure LB Azeez Al-Shaair's contract, clear $6.26 million in cap space The Houston Texans knew they'd have to make several moves ahead of free agency to free up more cap space. So far, everything has gone according to plan. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Texans have restructured linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's three-year contract. Houston plans to convert some of his salary into a bonus, thus freeing up $6.26 million in cap space ahead of next week's start to free agency. With legal tampering beginning on Monday, the move gives the Texans a bit more breathing room as they try to land a top name on the market ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Al-Shaair, a team captain, wasn't at risk of getting cut, so the Texans will reward him down the line to help the time in the present. After agreeing to a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason, Al-Shaair totaled 70 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in 11 regular season games and 12 tackles in two postseason games. He also was suspended for three games after the NFL upheld its appeal on his hit against Trevor Lawrence in Week 12's win. Al-Shaair's deal marks the second restructure general manager Nick Caserio has done this week. He also restructured wide receiver Nico Collins' contract, which freed up another $9.8 million in cap space. Al-Shaair's restructure is likely not the last move Houston makes before Monday rolls around. After trading for wide receiver Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars, it's expected that Caserio will rework his $16.5 million salary into a new deal with added years. The Texans could also restructure defensive end Danielle Hunter's contract to free up over $13 million. The same goes for Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who could free up another $10 million in cap space. Both would likely come in the form of extensions, thus pushing the money down by one year. Al-Shaair should be back to his full speed for 2025, which could be critical toward his long-term status in Houston.
