WATCH: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. finds out about AP All-Pro accolade

All-Pro Sting has a nice ring to it.

It’s sticking around with the Houston Texans cornerback for the remainder of his career.

Derek Stingley Jr, the first significant piece in a three-year rebuild out in Houston, was named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press on Friday.

He is the Texans’ first recipient of this accolade since wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2019 and the second defensive player all-time, joining three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.

And even though he knew his season was special, Stingley was caught off guard when AP’s Rob Maaddi told him the news of honor.

“That’s crazy,” Stingley said. “Oh, that’s crazy!”

“That’s crazy!” – Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. reacts to learning from @RobMaaddi that he made The Associated Press 2024 NFL All-Pro Team. pic.twitter.com/FPTBXJn5QK

— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) January 10, 2025

The All-Pro Award is one of the most leauge prestigious recognitions because it labels individual play over team skills. Fifty national media members have a final say on each position, thus making it more impressive to receive the accolade.

Nobody in Houston is surprised by the honor. In 17 games, Stingley’s recorded 18 pass deflections, five interceptions and 54 tackles, including four behind the line.

In coverage, he allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.

THAT’S OUR FIRST TEAM ALL-PRO 👑 pic.twitter.com/lThRJ88I8y

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 10, 2025

On top of his All-Pro honor by AP, Stingley elected to his first Pro Bowl last week. He also was named by to the All-Pro team by the NFLPA after a dominant outing while defending Miami Dolphins All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill.

Stingley, who soon will be one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, and Texans host the Chargers at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at NRG Stadium. Expectations are for him to lock down shifty speed threat Ladd McConkey.