Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Azeez Al-Shaair is an American professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 4, 1997, in Tampa, Florida, Al-Shaair played college football at Florida Atlantic University before joining the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Beyond his successful football career, Al-Shaair has an extraordinary family story involving childhood poverty, homelessness, parental separation, and the responsibility of helping raise his younger brothers. These experiences helped shape his determination, leadership abilities, and commitment to supporting others.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s parents are James Tokley Jr. and Naadhirah Lennon. He has seven siblings, including two younger brothers named Abdul-Lateef and Abdur-Rahmaan and a sister named Ruqayyah Al-Shaair Bragg.
His romantic life has also attracted attention, with published reports identifying a former partner, Yahaira Onofre, and a girlfriend named Kaya in December 2024.
Here is everything publicly known about Azeez Al-Shaair’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating or Married?
As of now, Azeez Al-Shaair’s current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed through recent public statements.
However, the Houston Texans linebacker has previously been linked to two women: Yahaira Onofre and Kaya, who was publicly identified as his girlfriend in December 2024.
Although Al-Shaair frequently discusses his childhood and family experiences, he generally keeps his romantic relationships away from public attention.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Former Partner: Yahaira Onofre
Yahaira Onofre is a former romantic partner of Azeez Al-Shaair.
According to a December 2024 feature published by the South China Morning Post, the couple began dating in 2015.
Yahaira is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been described in biographical reports as a dental professional.
The couple reportedly became engaged in 2018 after several years together.
Subsequent entertainment and sports biography websites reported that they married, although the exact wedding date has been inconsistently documented.
Some publications listed June 27, 2020, as their wedding date, while other accounts described a marriage in 2022.
Because those dates have not been consistently corroborated by primary records or direct statements, the precise timing of their reported marriage remains uncertain.
By late 2024, media coverage identified another woman as Al-Shaair’s girlfriend, suggesting that his earlier relationship with Yahaira had ended.
However, the details and legal status of any separation have not been reliably established.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Girlfriend: Kaya
In December 2024, a woman named Kaya was publicly identified as Azeez Al-Shaair’s girlfriend.
Her relationship with the linebacker attracted attention during a difficult period of his NFL career.
On December 1, 2024, Al-Shaair was involved in a controversial tackle on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The incident resulted in his ejection from the game and a three-game NFL suspension.
During the public controversy, Kaya expressed support for Al-Shaair through social media.
On December 6, 2024, sports writer Kelly Cohen published an article for 247Sports discussing how his girlfriend was supporting him.
The report referenced a social media post identifying Kaya as his partner.
However, limited reliable information is available about her professional background, age, and relationship history.
There have also been no widely verified recent announcements establishing whether the couple remains together in 2026.
Therefore, Kaya is best described as a publicly reported girlfriend from December 2024 rather than a confirmed current partner.
Is Azeez Al-Shaair Currently Married?
As of now, there is no sufficiently verified recent public information establishing Azeez Al-Shaair’s current marital status.
Older reports identify Yahaira Onofre as his wife, while December 2024 reporting identifies Kaya as his girlfriend.
Without a reliable recent statement, it would be inaccurate to assume that either relationship represents his current marital status.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Azeez Al-Shaair has biological or adopted children of his own.
Although Al-Shaair has spent years supporting younger family members, major NFL biographies and interviews do not identify a son or daughter.
However, his personal history includes an unusual responsibility: he became the legal guardian of two younger brothers while attending college.
That experience required him to balance college football, academics, and responsibilities normally associated with parenting.
Azeez Al-Shaair Became His Brothers’ Legal Guardian
During his college football career at Florida Atlantic University, Al-Shaair became concerned about the circumstances in which his younger brothers were living.
His family had experienced financial difficulties, unstable housing, and the consequences of their parents’ separation.
Rather than allowing his brothers to continue facing those challenges without additional support, Al-Shaair decided to bring them to Boca Raton, Florida.
He became the legal guardian of Abdul-Lateef and Abdur-Rahmaan.
In a June 2024 interview with the Houston Chronicle, Al-Shaair explained that he was responsible for taking his brothers to school, attending workouts and classes, collecting them afterward, and preparing meals.
He also used money from his college financial aid to help purchase food and clothing for his brothers and mother.
The responsibility meant sacrificing many activities associated with ordinary college life.
Although he was still a young student-athlete, he effectively became a father figure for his younger brothers.
However, they are his siblings, not his children, and should not be listed as his sons in biographical profiles.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Azeez Al-Shaair’s parents are Naadhirah Lennon and James Tokley Jr.
Both played important roles during his early childhood, although his father eventually separated from the family.
His mother subsequently became the primary caregiver for their eight children.
In interviews with the Houston Chronicle, Nashville Tennessean, and other publications, Al-Shaair has frequently acknowledged the sacrifices his mother made while raising the family.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Mother: Naadhirah Lennon
Azeez Al-Shaair’s mother is Naadhirah Lennon.
She raised eight children while navigating significant financial and personal challenges.
According to a November 2023 feature published by the Nashville Tennessean, Naadhirah had an interest in dancing during her younger years.
She studied dance through programs associated with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York.
At one point, she dreamed of developing a professional dance career.
However, family responsibilities and other circumstances eventually led her toward a different path.
By 2023, Naadhirah was working overnight shifts verifying identities for the Internal Revenue Service.
Her dedication to supporting her children became especially important after her separation from their father.
With eight children to care for, she frequently struggled to maintain stable housing and provide sufficient food.
Despite these difficulties, she continued encouraging her children to pursue education and develop personal discipline.
How Naadhirah Lennon Supported Her Son’s Football Dreams
Naadhirah initially hesitated to allow Azeez to participate in organized football because she feared he would get injured.
However, her son repeatedly expressed his desire to play.
According to the Nashville Tennessean, Naadhirah eventually reconsidered after remembering how her own parents had not fully supported her childhood ambition to become a professional dancer.
She decided that she did not want to discourage her son’s dream in the same way.
Consequently, she allowed him to participate in football under the condition that he take the sport seriously.
Al-Shaair later recalled promising his mother that he would reach the NFL and help support their family financially.
Although neither knew whether that dream would become a reality, Naadhirah continued providing encouragement.
Her guidance helped him persevere through housing instability, college football challenges, and a serious knee injury.
In May 2026, she attended the Houston Texans’ press conference celebrating her son’s three-year, $54 million contract extension.
The two posed for photographs together, reflecting the importance of their relationship.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Father: James Tokley Jr.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s father is James Tokley Jr., a former English instructor.
According to a November 2023 Nashville Tennessean feature, James worked as an English teacher in Saudi Arabia.
When Azeez was approximately four years old, his father moved the family to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a teaching position.
The family spent approximately two years living in the country before returning to the United States.
During this period, Azeez experienced a different language and cultural environment.
However, his parents eventually divorced while he was still in elementary school.
His father later returned to Saudi Arabia, while Azeez and his siblings remained primarily in their mother’s care.
In his 2023 interview, Al-Shaair explained that he had not spoken with his father since approximately age 13.
He also identified his paternal grandfather as an important male role model during childhood.
Although James Tokley Jr.’s teaching career is publicly documented, details about his current occupation and relationship with his son remain private.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Azeez Al-Shaair has seven siblings.
He confirmed growing up in a family of eight children during a June 2024 Houston Chronicle interview.
Three of his siblings have been publicly identified by name: Abdul-Lateef, Abdur-Rahmaan, and Ruqayyah Al-Shaair Bragg.
The names and personal backgrounds of the remaining siblings have not been consistently established through major public sources.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Brother: Abdul-Lateef
Abdul-Lateef is one of Azeez Al-Shaair’s younger brothers.
He became an important part of Azeez’s college football journey when the linebacker decided to bring him to Boca Raton, Florida.
According to the San Francisco 49ers’ official biography, Azeez was concerned about his brothers’ education and living circumstances.
He believed that moving them into his college apartment would provide a more stable environment.
As their legal guardian, he helped supervise their education and daily activities.
Although Abdul-Lateef’s relationship with Azeez is confirmed, his current occupation and other personal details have not been widely documented.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Brother: Abdur-Rahmaan
Abdur-Rahmaan is another younger brother of Azeez Al-Shaair.
Like Abdul-Lateef, he experienced the family’s early financial challenges and housing instability.
When Azeez enrolled at Florida Atlantic University, he eventually brought Abdur-Rahmaan to live with him.
The move enabled the brothers to remain together while Azeez continued pursuing his college football career.
He also helped provide meals, clothing, transportation, and educational support.
These responsibilities strengthened the bond between the brothers and contributed to Al-Shaair’s development as a leader.
However, Abdur-Rahmaan’s current professional and personal circumstances remain largely private.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Sister: Ruqayyah Al-Shaair Bragg
Ruqayyah Al-Shaair Bragg is one of Azeez Al-Shaair’s sisters.
She was publicly identified in a November 2023 family profile published by the Nashville Tennessean.
During the interview, Ruqayyah shared memories of growing up with her brother and how he influenced her understanding of responsibility.
She recalled a childhood incident involving the amount of toothpaste she used while brushing her teeth.
According to Ruqayyah, Azeez reminded her that wasting basic necessities was inappropriate because many families struggled to afford them.
The lesson remained memorable well into adulthood.
She explained that she continued thinking about her brother’s advice even while raising a family of her own.
At the time of the 2023 interview, Ruqayyah was married and had a young son.
Her story demonstrated how the family’s experiences with financial hardship influenced their everyday habits and personal values.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Other Siblings
In addition to Abdul-Lateef, Abdur-Rahmaan, and Ruqayyah, Azeez Al-Shaair has four other siblings.
Although his family has been featured in several interviews, the names and professional backgrounds of these relatives have not been consistently documented in reliable public sources.
One of his older sisters was mentioned in reporting about the house fire that destroyed the family’s home in 2012.
However, the available reports do not conclusively identify which sister was involved.
Consequently, her identity should not be assumed without additional confirmation.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Grandfather: James Tokley Sr.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s paternal grandfather is James Tokley Sr., an accomplished American poet.
He served as a poet laureate for Tampa and Hillsborough County in Florida.
According to the Nashville Tennessean, James Tokley Sr. was also acquainted with celebrated poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.
His literary work earned recognition throughout the Tampa community.
Following the separation of Azeez’s parents, his grandfather became an important male role model.
He encouraged his grandson to read poetry and develop confidence through public speaking.
One of their traditions involved memorizing and reciting the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.
James sometimes rewarded Azeez with five dollars for successfully reciting the poem.
These experiences helped the young athlete develop confidence and a strong sense of personal identity.
The Meaning Behind the Al-Shaair Family Name
The family’s surname also reflects its connection to poetry.
According to reporting included in the San Francisco 49ers’ official team materials, Azeez’s father adopted the surname Al-Shaair after embracing Islam.
The name has been interpreted as meaning “Son of a Poet” in Arabic.
It reflects the family’s literary heritage through James Tokley Sr.
For Azeez, the name also became a reminder of his cultural background and family history.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Childhood and Family Struggles
Azeez Al-Shaair was born on August 4, 1997, in Tampa, Florida.
He spent part of his early childhood in Saudi Arabia before returning to the United States.
After his parents separated, he grew up primarily with his mother and seven siblings.
The family experienced significant financial hardship, including periods of living in government-assisted housing and temporary accommodations.
One of the most difficult experiences occurred in 2012 when a fire destroyed their home in Tampa.
According to Florida Atlantic University and the San Francisco 49ers, Al-Shaair woke up after noticing smoke and helped other family members escape the burning house.
After losing their home, the family moved between temporary accommodations before living in an extended-stay motel.
For a period, Al-Shaair traveled approximately two hours by public transportation to attend Hillsborough High School and football practice.
He sometimes had limited access to food and prioritized helping his mother and younger siblings.
Despite these difficulties, he continued working toward his ambition of earning a college football scholarship.
How Azeez Al-Shaair’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Al-Shaair attended Hillsborough High School in Tampa, where he developed into a talented linebacker.
His performances eventually earned him an opportunity to play college football at Florida Atlantic University.
He became a regular starter for the Owls and emerged as one of the team’s defensive leaders.
During the 2017 season, he recorded 147 tackles and earned First-Team All-Conference USA recognition.
His leadership and ability to balance significant family responsibilities with college football attracted national attention.
In 2018, he received the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award, recognizing athletes who overcome major personal, academic, or emotional challenges.
However, a serious knee injury interrupted his final college season.
Al-Shaair subsequently went unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
He signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent and gradually established himself as a productive linebacker.
After four seasons in San Francisco, he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
He recorded 163 tackles that season before signing with the Houston Texans in March 2024.
His performances in Houston eventually earned him his first Pro Bowl selection for the 2025 season.
In May 2026, the Texans announced a three-year contract extension worth $54 million, keeping him with the organization through the 2029 season.
Al-Shaair celebrated the achievement alongside his mother, Naadhirah Lennon, reflecting the importance of family in his professional success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Azeez Al-Shaair’s Family
Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s girlfriend?
A woman named Kaya was publicly identified as Azeez Al-Shaair’s girlfriend in December 2024. However, there is no reliable recent confirmation establishing whether they remain together.
Is Azeez Al-Shaair married?
Older reports identify Yahaira Onofre as his wife, but subsequent reporting identifies another romantic partner. His current marital status has not been reliably established through recent primary sources.
Does Azeez Al-Shaair have children?
As of now, there are no verified public reports confirming that Azeez Al-Shaair has children of his own. However, he previously became the legal guardian of his two younger brothers while attending Florida Atlantic University.
Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s father?
His father is James Tokley Jr., a former English instructor who worked in Saudi Arabia. His parents separated during childhood, and his father was subsequently absent from much of his upbringing.
Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s mother?
His mother is Naadhirah Lennon, who raised eight children while dealing with financial hardship and housing instability. She has been an important source of encouragement throughout his football career.
How many siblings does Azeez Al-Shaair have?
Azeez Al-Shaair has seven siblings. Three publicly identified siblings are Abdul-Lateef, Abdur-Rahmaan, and Ruqayyah Al-Shaair Bragg.
Who are Azeez Al-Shaair’s younger brothers?
His younger brothers are Abdul-Lateef and Abdur-Rahmaan. He became their legal guardian while playing college football at Florida Atlantic University.
Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s sister?
One of his publicly identified sisters is Ruqayyah Al-Shaair Bragg, who discussed their childhood experiences in a November 2023 interview with the Nashville Tennessean.
Who is Azeez Al-Shaair’s grandfather?
His paternal grandfather is James Tokley Sr., an accomplished poet who served as a poet laureate in Tampa and Hillsborough County, Florida.
Where is Azeez Al-Shaair’s family from?
Azeez Al-Shaair was born in Tampa, Florida. His family also lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during part of his childhood before returning to the United States.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
