Football’s Al-Shaair Named Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Semifinalist

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University's Azeez Al-Shaair hit adversity midway through his senior campaign with a season-ending knee injury. While his presence on the field would be filled, it was his leadership off the field that was most in question, which is one of the many reasons the senior linebacker is one of 20 semifinalists for the second annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.

Al-Shaair owns or is among the FAU leaders on every defensive statistic. He accumulated 397 tackles, including 201 solo, in his three-and-a-half seasons at FAU. The Tampa native has 32.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks along with an interception, eight passes defended and two forced fumbles. But again, it has been his leadership and role as team captain since his sophomore campaign that led the Owls to a 2017 Conference USA Championships and a bowl appearance for the first time in 10 seasons, while the 2018 team is knocking on the door of a second bowl appearance.

All of the semifinalists have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, Dec. 10. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony on Feb. 12, 2019, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Last year, the inaugural Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year was presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF, who helped lead the Knights to a perfect season while becoming one of the most inspirational stories in all of sports.

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport and the Dallas Cowboys' all-time leading receiver, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 15-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.

The Owls will play at North Texas at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night, live on CBS Sports Network and then will return home to play host to Conference USA foe Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 24. The game will be senior night, a night that the Owls will recognize more than 25 student-athletes. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ESPN West Palm 106.3 will have the call starting one hour prior to kick, with Ken LaVicka manning the mic. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS.

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