Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Month, the NFL announced today. Stingley Jr. becomes just the sixth player in franchise history to earn the honor.
From Weeks 13-18, Stingley Jr. led the NFL with three interceptions, while earning the best defensive and coverage grade among qualifying AFC cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus. He also led the NFL with nine passes defensed during the same time frame, while allowing an incredible 1.7 passer rating when targeted by opposing teams.
In Week 13, Stingley Jr. finished with one tackle, two interceptions and four passes defensed. He tied or led the league outright in both interceptions and passes defensed, while becoming the only player in the NFL to record four interceptions over a three-game stretch. Overall in 2023, the former No. 3 overall selection recorded 39 tackles (28 solo), including one for loss, five interceptions and 13 passes defensed in just 11 starts.
The honor marks the 20th time a Texan has been named Player of the Month and the 11th time a defensive player has garnered the award. This also cements the second Player of the Month honor this season by a Texans player, as QB C.J. Stroud took home AFC Offensive Player of the Month in November.
From Weeks 13-18, Derek Stingley Jr. led the NFL with three interceptions, while earning the best defensive and coverage grade among qualifying AFC cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus. Check out the best photos of the cornerback in those games.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 17th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A September 17, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A September 17, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 31st, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
A December 24th, 2023 image from the Regular Season week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
