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.
THAT’S OUR FIRST TEAM ALL-PRO pic.twitter.com/lThRJ88I8y
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 10, 2025