Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. named AFC Defensive Player of the Month

On the heels of his first playoff game, Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr received the first major honor of his career.

HOUSTON — The NFL announced Thursday morning that second-year Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. received the AFC Defensive Player of the Month award for December. Stingley became the sixth player in franchise history to receive the honor and the first since J.J. Watt in 2018.

He helped the Texans finish the month with a 3-2 record while earning the best defensive and coverage grade among qualifying AFC cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus. Stingley led the NFL with nine passes defensed while allowing a passer rating of 1.7.

Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

During the Texans' Week 13 victory against the Denver Broncos, Stingley finished the day with four pass deflections and two interceptions. He also became the only player in the NFL to record four interceptions over a three-game stretch.

"It means a lot," Stingley said. "It means that it is doing something for the team...I am excited to be in the playoffs. We will be going out there Saturday and trying to win."

Stingley became the 20th player in franchise history to receive the honor. The award also cemented the second Player of the Month award in 2023 as quarterback C.J. Stroud took home AFC Offensive Player of the Month in November.

Health has played a role in Stingley's success, but he has also benefited greatly from playing under coach DeMeco Ryans.

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"Corner is a position where you have to have that confidence," Ryans said. "You’re on an island where everybody sees what happens when you’re on that island at that corner and you’re going against some of the best athletes in the NFL. 

"When a play doesn’t go your way, how are you going to respond? Sometimes guys are going to make plays, but you have to be even-keeled enough to know that you can come back the next play and be prepared for the route and go up and take the ball away."