All-Pro Sting has been a saying for weeks now.
Consensus All-Pro could be a new title added to Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.’s vocabulary by this time next week.
The third-year defensive back was named a first-team All-Pro by The Sporting News Thursday morning, adding to his accolades from a breakout 2024 season.
THAT MAN 🫡🐝 pic.twitter.com/uuLe2a2keL
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 30, 2025
After starting a career-high 17 games, the former No.3 overall pick posted career numbers in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four). Stingley also posted his second consecutive season with five interceptions.
Stingley’s five interceptions were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked fourth-most in the NFL this season. His 18 pass breakups ranked second among defenders, trailing only Cleveland’s Denzel Ward.
According to NextGenStats, Stingley allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.
Stingley’s shining moment came in Week 15 while covering All-Pro Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. In the victory, he recorded five tackles, including two for loss, two interceptions and two passes defensed, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to record two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a game.
He would go on to be named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second of his career.
This marks Stingley’s second All-Pro honor of the year after also being named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team, making him the first cornerback in franchise history to earn Associated Press and The Sporting News All-Pro First Team honors in the same year.
Stingley was also named to the NFLPA’s All-Pro roster, which is voted on by only active players.
