Derek Stingley Jr. Bio
Derek Stingley Jr. is an American professional football cornerback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Texans third overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
Widely regarded as one of the premier young cornerbacks in the league, Stingley Jr. became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history when he signed a contract extension in March 2025. Through his first four NFL seasons, he has earned two Pro Bowl selections and two First-team All-Pro honors.
Early Life and Background
Derek Stingley Jr. was born on June 20, 2001, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in a family with deep football roots. His father, Derek Stingley Sr., played in the Arena Football League, and his late grandfather, Darryl Stingley, played for the New England Patriots in the National Football League.
Stingley attended The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, where he developed into one of the most decorated high school football players in the country. During his high school career he recorded 27 interceptions, and as a senior he was named the Louisiana Gatorade Football Player of the Year.
He was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the top overall player in his class by Rivals.com. Following his senior season, Stingley committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play college football.
Path to American Football
Stingley entered LSU in 2019 as one of the most highly anticipated defensive prospects in recent memory. He immediately earned a starting role as a true freshman and made an immediate impact on one of the top defenses in college football. That season, he led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with six interceptions and 21 passes defended, earning first-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press.
He was also named a consensus All-American in 2019, receiving first-team recognition from the AP, the American Football Coaches Association, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and USA Today. He helped LSU complete an undefeated season and capture the College Football Playoff National Championship.
In his sophomore year, Stingley missed three games due to illness and injuries but still earned first-team All-SEC recognition. After a junior season limited by injuries in which he started only three games, Stingley declared for the 2022 NFL draft. NFL analysts Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, and Dane Brugler ranked him as the third-best cornerback prospect in the draft, while Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN had him ranked second among cornerbacks.
Derek Stingley Jr. Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Stingley’s college career began with one of the most impressive freshman seasons in LSU history. As a starter on the 2019 Tigers defense, he helped the team go undefeated and win the College Football Playoff National Championship. His six interceptions that season led the SEC, and he was named a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC selection.
Over his three college seasons, Stingley was a two-time first-team All-SEC honoree. After an injury-plagued junior year, he declared for the 2022 NFL draft and was widely projected as a first-round pick.
Houston Texans Debut (2022)
The Houston Texans selected Stingley in the first round, third overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. With that selection, he tied Shawn Springs and Jeff Okudah as the highest-drafted cornerbacks in NFL history, and he became the highest-drafted cornerback in Texans franchise history.
On May 13, 2022, the Texans signed him to a fully guaranteed four-year, $34.65 million rookie contract that included a $22.85 million signing bonus. Head coach Lovie Smith named him a starting cornerback for the season opener. Stingley made his NFL debut on September 11, 2022, against the Indianapolis Colts.
He recorded his first career interception on October 9, 2022, off a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence to Zay Jones during a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished his rookie season with 43 combined tackles, five passes defended, one sack, and one interception in nine games. He did not allow a touchdown reception all season.
Houston Texans Breakthrough (2023)
Under new head coach DeMeco Ryans in 2023, Stingley emerged as a true number-one cornerback. After battling a hamstring injury that sidelined him for six games, he returned in November and immediately made an impact, intercepting Kyler Murray and earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a two-interception game against the Denver Broncos.
He finished 2023 with 39 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, and a career-high five interceptions in 11 games. He also started his first career playoff game, recording two solo tackles and a pass deflection in the Texans’ 45-14 AFC Wild-Card win over the Cleveland Browns.
Houston Texans Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, Stingley started all 17 games for the first time in his career and produced a career-best season. He recorded 54 combined tackles, 18 pass deflections, and five interceptions, earning both Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors for the first time.
He made an immediate impact in the postseason, picking off Justin Herbert twice in the Texans’ 32-12 Wild-Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. On March 17, 2025, Houston signed him to a three-year, $90 million contract extension with $89.02 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
In the 2025 season, he recorded 36 total tackles, four interceptions, and 15 passes defended. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection and second First-team All-Pro nod. In Week 16, he returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown in a 23-21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stingley combines elite length, smooth footwork, and ball-tracking instincts that allow him to thrive in man coverage. His 6-foot-1 frame and quick reactions have made him a reliable tackler in run support and a disruptive presence on contested throws.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stingley was part of LSU’s 2019 national championship team and tied the record as the highest-drafted cornerback in NFL history in 2022. In 2025, he became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history and earned his second First-team All-Pro selection, cementing his place among the league’s elite defensive backs.
Derek Stingley Jr. Career Wins
Through his first four NFL seasons, Derek Stingley Jr. has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. He has recorded 15 interceptions, 51 pass deflections, 172 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown across his NFL career.
NFL Highlights
Stingley earned his first career interception in October 2022 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He produced a career-high five interceptions in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. In 2025, he returned an interception for a 31-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers in the secondary.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, Stingley was a five-star recruit and the top-ranked player in his class, capping his career as the Louisiana Gatorade Football Player of the Year. In college, he helped LSU win the College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman in 2019.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|
Derek Stingley Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Derek Stingley Jr. comes from a multi-generational football family. His father, Derek Stingley Sr., played in the Arena Football League, while his late grandfather, Darryl Stingley, was a player for the New England Patriots in the National Football League.
Personal Life
On October 15, 2025, Stingley got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Annabella Campagna. The couple announced in November 2025 that they expect to welcome a baby boy in April 2026.
2025 Season Performance
In his fourth NFL season, Derek Stingley Jr. continued his ascent among the league’s elite cornerbacks. Following his historic contract extension in March 2025, he played all 17 games and recorded 36 total tackles, four interceptions, and 15 passes defended.
His most memorable performance came in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders, when he returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown to help seal a 23-21 victory and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He also contributed in coverage against top opposing receivers throughout the season.
For his efforts in 2025, Stingley earned his second Pro Bowl selection and second First-team All-Pro recognition, reinforcing his status as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.
