# NFL threatens Texans player over eye black

> NFL warns Azeez Al-Shaair to remove 'Wafaa Akila' from eye black.
- Title: NFL threatens Texans player over eye black · CBS Sports
- Summary: NFL warns Azeez Al-Shaair to remove 'Wafaa Akila' from eye black. NFL threatens Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair with game removal for unauthorized eye…
- Keywords: azeez al-shaair, texans, nfl, wafaa akila, free palestine, my cause my cleats, eye black, gaza, palestinian girl, genocide, sports, threatens
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-threatens-texans-azeez-al-shaair-over-messaging
- Published: 2026-09-26T19:09:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: azeez al-shaair, texans, nfl, wafaa akila, free palestine, my cause my cleats, eye black, gaza, palestinian girl, genocide, sports
## What happened
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair violated NFL uniform policy by writing Palestinian girl's name on eye black.
## Who it happened to
Al-Shaair, a Muslim linebacker for the Texans, wrote 'Wafaa Akila' after a girl died in gaza.
## When and where
During first two games this season in houston, texas.
## Why it happened
Al-Shaair supports free palestine movement through nfl's my cause my cleats initiative.
## What the NFL says
NFL warned Al-Shaair to remove messaging or face game removal.
## What happens next
Al-Shaair may be removed from game if he doesn't remove 'Wafaa Akila' from eye black.
## Key takeaway

NFL threatens Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair with game removal for unauthorized eye black messaging after he wrote Palestinian girl's name in Gaza.