Texans on AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for cornerback Stingley: 'Float like a butterfly'

Derek Stingley, Jr., a second-year cornerback for the Houston Texans, has been named the American Football Conference (AFC) Defensive Player of the Week. This recognition comes in light of his two interceptions from Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos. Stingley's interceptions played a significant role in the Texans' 22-17 victory over the visiting Broncos at their home ground.

The team expressed their excitement following the announcement of this accolade on Dec. 6 via Twitter, stating, "Float like a butterfly..."

KPRC News, an NBC affiliate in Houston, reported that these two takeaways bring Stingley's total to four for his sophomore season as a professional player. Stingley was selected third overall in the 2022 National Football League (NFL) draft from Louisiana State University (LSU). The report also noted that he is currently on a three-game streak with interceptions since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Stingley's performance in an interview with KPRC News. "To have four interceptions, it hasn’t happened in the league," Ryans said. "You don’t see that much and he’s just continuing to get better, and that’s what’s exciting about seeing Stingley and the progress that he’s made since he’s gotten back and he’s dialed in, he’s attentive to all the details and he’s seeing success because of the work and the preparation that he’s put in."

According to ESPN, Stingley viewed his performance against Denver as a morale booster after missing 14 games dating back to his rookie season last year. He currently shares the same number of interceptions this season with DaRon Bland of Dallas Cowboys. The Texans are scheduled for a two-game road trip which will take them to East Rutherford, NJ to face off against New York Jets on Dec. 10 and the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 17.