Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. Shines as NFL’s Top Cornerback

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has solidified his place as one of the NFL‘s elite defenders, earning his first All-Pro selection after a standout 2024 season. The 24-year-old, known for his exceptional ball skills and coverage ability, intercepted five passes during the regular season and added two more in the playoffs, helping the Texans advance to the AFC divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Stingley’s journey to NFL stardom began under the guidance of his father, Derek Stingley Sr., who instilled in him a relentless work ethic and a love for the game. “My pops, doing drills with him as long as I can remember,” Stingley said when asked about his ability to track and catch the football. “I just know how to catch the football.”

Retired All-Pro cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who has followed Stingley’s career closely, praised his development. “He’s a true playmaker who has picked up his game every single year,” Cromartie told KPRC 2. “He has great ball skills, great cover skills, and he can do anything you want at the cornerback position.”

Stingley’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. According to NextGenStats, he allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps. His 18 pass deflections ranked second in the league, and his five interceptions tied for fifth.

In the Texans’ wild-card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Stingley intercepted quarterback Justin Herbert twice, showcasing his ability to dominate in critical moments. He also locked down Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill in a regular-season matchup, intercepting two passes intended for the All-Pro receiver.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted Stingley’s unique ability to track the football. “Not many guys have that ability to track the football,” Ryans said. “Derek does a good job of playing with great awareness but also having great hands to finish the play and make teams pay.”

Stingley’s success is a testament to his dedication and the influence of his father, who coached him from a young age. “He was better than some of my grown men players,” Stingley Sr. said of his son’s early years. “He’s all ball, all the time.”

As Stingley prepares to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the divisional round, his teammates and coaches are confident in his ability to rise to the occasion. “He’s probably the best athlete I’ve been around in my life,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “He deserves everything coming his way.”