(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/13/26) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for the “stop the genocide” message he wore on his face during Monday’s AFC Wild Card game against the Steelers.
Al-Shaair has been outspoken about his support of Palestine. He picked the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund for the My Cause My Cleats fundraiser in recent years. He has also met with Gaza families who were receiving treatment in Houston.
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In a statement, CAIR-Houston Director of OperationsImran Ghani said:
“We commend Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for using his platform to express opposition to genocide during last night’s primetime football game. Like Muhammad Ali and other athletes of conscience, he used his platform for a cause of justice. We applaud him and encourage others to follow suit in standing up for human rights, from Gaza to Sudan and elsewhere.”
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Director of Operations Imran Ghani, ighani@cair.com, 713.922.5270; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com