Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined by the NFL for displaying the name of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed during the Gaza war in 2024.
Al-Shaair wrote “Hind Rajab” on his eye black during the Texans’ 36-31 defeat to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The NFL subsequently issued a fine of $11,941 for the unauthorized message.
Rajab was killed after the vehicle in which she was travelling with members of her family came under attack in Gaza. She initially survived and spoke by telephone with emergency workers while seeking help before she later died.
Al-Shaair, who has previously spoken publicly about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, said the tribute was intended to draw attention to the suffering of civilians affected by the conflict.
The NFL has rules governing messages displayed on players’ equipment and uniforms during games. Al-Shaair had previously been fined $11,593 after displaying the words “Stop the Genocide” on his eye black during a playoff game last season.
The latest penalty has attracted attention beyond American football. Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving offered to pay Al-Shaair’s fine, writing that he would take care of the penalty.
Al-Shaair has also been involved in humanitarian initiatives and was named the Texans’ 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, an award recognising community service and leadership.
The incident highlights the limits placed on player messages during NFL games, while also showing how athletes continue to use their public platforms to draw attention to humanitarian issues.
The NFL’s fine relates to its rules on unauthorised visible messages; the league’s action does not by itself establish a position on the wider political or humanitarian issues surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.