Brian Cushing on Azeez Al-Shaair: “A Leader, A Tone-Setter” — Texans Legend Sees Defense Taking Shape
- May 2
- 2 min read
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It’s not every day you get to talk ball with one of the tone-setters in Houston Texans history.
At the grand opening of USCJ Houston, I had the chance to catch up with Texans legend Brian Cushing alongside Nick Scurfield. What stood out immediately wasn’t just the moment itself, but how locked in Cushing still is on this current team.
When I asked him about the Texans extending Azeez Al-Shaair, his answer carried weight—because it’s coming from someone who defined physical, high-motor linebacker play in Houston.
“Awesome, really necessary, key piece of the defense, a leader, great tackler,” Cushing said. “I think he’s found a home here in Houston. Love the way he plays, love his style of play, the way he communicates, brings a fire & passion that’s very necessary to be a top defense.”
That last part is what stuck with me.
For a player like Cushing—who built his reputation as an enforcer, someone who played with relentless energy and edge—to highlight communication and leadership first says a lot about how Al-Shaair is viewed inside football circles. The physicality is expected. The tone-setting is assumed. But being the voice of the defense? That’s what elevates a unit.
Cushing sees that in Azeez.
We also talked about where this Texans team stands after last season and what’s ahead.
“Obviously not the result everybody’s looking for, we’re kinda stuck at that divisional round piece of the playoffs,” he said. “The talent, the coaching, the energy—I think it’s all right there. Really excited about the season coming up. I think we got the right pieces, obviously, truly awesome head coach. I think the culture’s right. I see things going in the right direction.”
That perspective lines up with what a lot of us have been saying—but again, it hits different coming from someone who’s been in those locker rooms, who understands what it actually takes to break through.
Cushing isn’t just watching from a distance. He recognizes the identity being built under DeMeco Ryans, and more importantly, he sees the traits that translate to winning football—leadership, communication, and edge.
And hearing him co-sign Azeez Al-Shaair as one of those tone-setters? That tells you everything you need to know about how important that extension really is.
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