Azeez Al-Shaair’s Parents

Azeez Al-Shaair, a linebacker with the Houston Texans, signed with the San Francisco 49ers after not being chosen in the 2019 NFL Draft. After attending Hillsborough High School, he played football for the Florida Atlantic Owls from 2015 to 2018. Moving on, Al-Shaair played for the 49ers for four seasons before agreeing to a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. He then consented to a three-year contract with the Houston Texans in 2024. He's played in the NFL for six years, making 73 appearances, 48 of which he started, and recording 362 total tackles and 4.0 sacks.

Who are Azeez Al-Shaair’s parents?

Azeez Al-Shaair’s parents are James Tokley Jr. and Naadhirah Lennon.

Al-Shaair translates to "son of a poet" in Arabic. Al-Shaair's parents adopted that name when they became Muslims prior to his birth. His parents, however, separated when he was in the second grade. According to The Tennessean, Azeez's mother, Lennon, is little known other than the fact that she aspired to be a dancer. His father, Tokley Jr., was an English teacher.

Al-Shaair's home was destroyed by fire in August 2012. His sister had been using a frying pan to prepare chicken. That morning, when she left for work, she had unintentionally left the stove on. The home was owned by their grandmother. With everything else going up in smoke, Azeez assisted his seven siblings in escaping. For the following four months, Al-Shaair and his family lived with another relative until the small space forced them to check into an extended-stay hotel.

Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s mother?

Azeez Al-Shaair’s mother is Naadhirah Lennon.

The Tennessean claims that Naadhirah Lennon was raised as a dancer and went to the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, where she aspired to be the next Debbie Allen.

Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s father?

Azeez Al-Shaair’s father is James Tokley Jr.

Tokley Jr. taught English, and for two years the family lived in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Al-Shaair claimed that since he was 13, he has not spoken to his father, James Tokley Jr.

James Tokley Sr., Al-Shaair's grandfather, served as Tampa and Hillsborough County's first poet laureate for almost 30 years. He became friends with Maya Angelou, a well-known poet, author, and civil rights activist. His remarks can be seen atop the Hillsborough County Courthouse and on other monuments throughout Tampa. (via The Tennessean)