Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair wears ‘stop the genocide’ eye black for second straight game

Key Takeaways:

• Azeez Al-Shaair has worn the “stop the genocide” message in two consecutive NFL games.
• His first visible stand came in the wild-card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday.
• The eye black message shows support for the people of Palestine.
• The article was originally published by Theathleticuk on January 18, 2026.
• The gesture underscores how sports figures can use the playing field to highlight socio-political issues.

A Bold Gesture on the Field

For the second straight game, Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has worn eye black inscribed with the words “stop the genocide.” By sporting this blunt statement so prominently during NFL play, Al-Shaair has drawn attention to a global issue that he believes warrants immediate concern.

First Appearance Against Pittsburgh

Al-Shaair first wore the message during Monday’s wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although details about any reactions or league responses remain unconfirmed, that initial show of solidarity planted the seed for further conversations in both sports and media circles.

Support for the People of Palestine

According to the original article, Al-Shaair’s eye black is intended to encourage support for the people of Palestine. The direct phrase “stop the genocide” signals a call to action, reflecting his decision to use a highly visible platform to advocate for a cause that resonates deeply with him.

Reactions and Continued Efforts

With two consecutive appearances marked by this message, Al-Shaair indicates an ongoing commitment to raising awareness. While the final outcomes of his advocacy remain to be seen, the Texans linebacker’s stance symbolizes how players in major sports can leverage high-profile games to advocate for global issues—even beyond the sidelines.