Derek Stingley’s breakout 2024 season is finally getting its proper recognition.
The third-year Houston Texans cornerback was named has been named an Associated Press First Team All-Pro, the AP announced Friday.
Stingley, 23, is the first Texans player to earn first-team All-Pro honors wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2019. He’s the first defensive player to earn the accolade since three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt in 2018.
Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2022, proved to be one of the league’s best defenders after setting records in 2024. He started all 17 games in coverage and posted career-high numbers in tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four).
👏 ALL 👏 PRO 👏 STING 🐝 pic.twitter.com/or8QH2S0PB
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 10, 2025
Stingley also notched five interceptions, which tied his career-high from 2023. His five turnovers were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked as the fourth-most in the NFL this season, while his 18 pass breakups stood as the second-most in the League.
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.
The 2024 Associated Press All-Pro First Team Offense and Defense. pic.twitter.com/eeMXjSRtuk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2025
But his breakout game in Week 15 likely sealed the accolade. Against the Miami Dolphins in man coverage against Tyreek Hill, Stingley 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.
For his efforts he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second of his career.
Stingley becomes the first cornerback in franchise history to earn AP All-Pro First Team honors.
Stingley, along with wide receiver Nico Collins, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and running back Joe Mixon were all named to the Pro Bowl roster. The standout defensive back also made the NFLPA All-Pro team following the 2024 season.
The Texans take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Parmount+.
