Texans stars connect on the field and in faith, bridging religious divides to forge an unbreakable bond.
The Houston Texans head into the playoffs with one of the best defenses in recent memory and two stars at the front of it. The two stars and leaders are close friends despite having different belief systems.
Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair have an unusual bond. It revolves around faith despite having completely different religions. The two players discussed how they have been able to unite in faith despite having different beliefs.
For Al-Shaair, their shared faith keeps them on the same page despite coming from a different starting point.
“I’m open about my faith and I use my faith and the things I’ve experienced in conversations with guys and the same for him. So, every time we talked we were always hitting on the same cylinder, like dang that’s exactly how I feel … so, I feel like it just worked out perfectly.”
Anderson discussed how the two have more in common than some might think despite their differences.
“I could truly say our talks before the game really help me. We try not to miss that talk before the game and that really helps both of us just get in that mindset and both of us really just (knowing) what we’re doing it for, why we’re doing it, and everything like that.
Although Azeez is a Muslim and I’m Christian, we share a lot of the same similarities with our faith and our morals and beliefs. Talking to Azeez … it’s kind of the comparison, but it also leads back to just being a moral person … and having great values, and I think the biggest thing that we talk about is how we treat others.”
So, what exactly do the two have in common? A similar worldview and a strong faith. Anderson shared more of his discussions.
“Just (about) trusting God, believing in God and knowing it’s God’s timing and really just being there for each other. Whether it’s a story from the Quran or a story from the Bible, it really doesn’t matter because we’re both sharing our faith and we both know who we believe in, which is God.”
You can read more about their strong faith in an article by Kristie Rieken of "AP News."
The Texans will need to be on the same page this week on defense as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If Al-Shaair and Anderson have anything to do with it, Houston should be on the same page when it takes the field.