Total Pro Sports
You don’t usually see cleats spark a political debate. But at Houston Texans camp this week, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair made sure his footwear did more than just grip the NFL field.
Al-Shaair showed up to practice wearing custom “Free Palestine” cleats, with red, black, white, and green, same as the colors of the Palestinian flag. The cleats also had casualty numbers marked on them, referencing those killed in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. He made no big speech, no press conference, just the cleats, speaking volumes.
This wasn’t a one-time statement. It’s the second straight year he’s worn cleats in support of Palestine. And it comes as tensions remain high nearly two years after the October 7 attacks that escalated the war. As expected, the reactions online were loud and split right down the middle.
Supporters of Palestine flooded social media with praise.
Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair wearing his “FREE PALESTINE” cleats.
He debuted them last season. pic.twitter.com/F8jTXHf2Lr
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelV) July 24, 2025
“Everyone should be supporting Azeez. He’s the only NFL athlete speaking up for Palestine,” one fan wrote.
Everyone should be supporting Azeez. He's the only NFL athlete speaking up for Palestine. 🇵🇸✊🏻 https://t.co/s8KfM6lfe6
— Max FREE PALESTINE🇵🇸 (@RaiderMax5) July 24, 2025
Another chimed in, “They called this guy a dirty player last year. I honestly never believed it, the man got heart!”
They called this guy a dirty player last year. I honestly never believed it, the man got heart! https://t.co/8B4So4D8cK
— Ace Boogie (@TjIdonor) July 24, 2025
But not everyone felt the same. Some criticized the gesture, calling it inflammatory.
One user posted, “Azeez Al-Shaair should be banned from the NFL for wearing pro-terrorist cleats.” The conversation isn’t going away anytime soon.
Azeez Al-Shaair should be banned from the NFL for wearing pro-terrorist cleats. pic.twitter.com/lLbCTqdX1X
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) July 24, 2025
Al-Shaair’s name already came with controversy. He picked up a reputation last season for being overly aggressive on the field. The NFL fined him multiple times for illegal hits. His most serious came during a game against the Jaguars, when he hit quarterback Trevor Lawrence during a slide. Lawrence suffered a concussion and missed the rest of the season. The league suspended Al-Shaair three games for that.
Still, his supporters remain loyal. After Wednesday’s cleat reveal, one fan posted simply, “I like Azeez again.”
I like Azeez again. https://t.co/bqQzD7sIrz
— Gabe Farias (@Rhymeforadime) July 24, 2025
The NFL hasn’t commented on whether they’ll take any action regarding the cleats. But in a league that’s seen protests, kneeling, and anthem debates, this latest moment reminds everyone that even cleats can make a statement.
Whether you agree with him or not, Azeez Al-Shaair will not keep his actions low.
Also Read: REPORT: Suspension Incoming For Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair After Dirty Hit On Trevor Lawrence
