Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, nominated for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, transforms personal trials into powerful community service.
HOUSTON — Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is being honored for his impact both on and off the field.
The team announced on Wednesday that he is the Texans’ 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee. The award is considered the league’s most prestigious honor for community service.
In a news release, Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair praised Al-Shaair’s leadership, saying, “Azeez represents everything it means to be a Houston Texan… We’re incredibly proud to recognize him as our Walter Payton Man of the Year.”
A commitment shaped by his own journey
Al-Shaair’s drive to serve others comes from personal experience. As a child, his family lost their home in a fire and spent time homeless in Tampa, Florida.
He said he watched his mother continue to help others even during their hardest moments. That perspective fuels his work today.
Community involvement
Since arriving in Houston, Al-Shaair has jumped into community service. Now a team captain for the second straight year, he has partnered with United Way, an organization that supported his family when he was young.
He also visited Covenant House with Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross and teammates, offering support and free haircuts to homeless youth and adults.
This season, he’s recognized local firefighters on National First Responders Day and celebrated champions in the Texans’ Girls Flag Football Program.
Giving kids a game day they’ll never forget
Al-Shaair also sponsors the Texans Community Huddle Ticket Program, which provides NFL game experiences for people who may not otherwise have that opportunity.
Students from HYPE Freedom School and MOSSE (Muslim Organization of Sports, Socials, and Education) receive tickets, food vouchers and parking passes to every home game thanks to his support.
Most recently, he hosted a movie night at NRG Stadium for students from HYPE Freedom School.
“It means everything to me because when I see these kids, I just see myself,” he said. “As a kid, I always wished I had the opportunity to meet an NFL player to be inspired by. I went through the same highs and lows to get to where I am today, but I’m here because of all the hard work and things I endured to get here. I just want to give people hope.”
The moment Azeez found out he was our Walter Payton Man of the Year Club Winner 🎥#WPMOYChallenge Al-Shaair pic.twitter.com/p1yMySNlY4
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 4, 2025
What’s next
As the Texans’ nominee, Al-Shaair will wear a Walter Payton Man of the Year helmet decal for the rest of the season.
Fans can support him in the Charity Challenge, which awards an additional $35,000 to the winner’s charity of choice.
Votes can be cast on X by posting #WPMOYChallenge with Al-Shaair, or online here. Voting is open through Jan. 5, 2026.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.