NFL quarterback and current Fox broadcaster Tom Brady has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Houston Texans captain Azeez Al-Shaair’s three-game suspension, citing “mixed emotions” about the hit that led to a massive skirmish.
Al-Shaair made contact with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence while he was attempting to slide, resulting in Lawrence being ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a concussion.
Brady shared his own experience with a similar incident in 2001, where he was hit by Bills cornerback Nate Clements after sliding late. He emphasized that defensive players must be aggressive but also stressed the importance of protecting quarterbacks’ health and safety.
The NFL has cracked down on hits to the head and neck area, as well as hitting quarterbacks while they slide. Al-Shaair’s suspension is partly due to his past transgressions on the field, which Brady argues should fall more on the offense and defense rather than just one player.
Brady also expressed concern about the label “dirty player” being used against Al-Shaair, saying he doesn’t like it and believes it unfairly targets defensive players.
The NFL’s evolving game has brought more emphasis to quarterbacks’ safety, with many teams incorporating running plays into their offenses. Brady notes that while defense is aggressive by nature, the onus of protecting quarterbacks should not solely fall on them.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tom-brady-explains-why-he-has-mixed-emotions-after-seeing-azeez-al-shaairs-brutal-hit-trevor-lawrence