Derek Stingley Jr.’s Wallet: How the Houston Texans’ Cornerback Tackled Millions (and Maybe Lost His Debit Card)
Derek Stingley Jr.—now there’s a name Houston Texans fans can’t miss. Straight out of LSU, he entered the league with huge expectations and, let’s be honest, he’s lived up to the hype. His net worth sits north of $34 million, fueled by a monster contract and his playmaking on Sundays.
Back in March 2025, Stingley inked a three-year, $90 million extension with Houston. The Texans guaranteed him $89 million—yeah, you heard that right. He now holds the title of highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. That’s a big statement about his talent and, frankly, how much Houston trusts him to anchor their defense.
If you’ve followed his journey since LSU, those numbers just show what’s possible with a rare mix of skill and relentless work.
Here’s a quick look at some of his career stats and contract details:
| Year | Team | Games Played | Interceptions | Total Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Houston Texans | 9 | 1 | $13,000,000+ |
| 2023 | Houston Texans | 11 | 5 | $25,000,000+ |
| 2025 | Houston Texans | 15 (projected) | 3 (projected) | $34,657,514 (estimated) |
Contents
Derek Stingley Jr.: Player Background
Derek Stingley Jr. brings a rare athletic pedigree and a college career at LSU that turned heads. His rise in the league has been fast, and he’s become one of the most exciting young defensive backs out there.
His background? It’s a story of talent meeting the right environment.
Early Life and Family
Baton Rouge, Louisiana—that’s where Stingley Jr. grew up, and football was everywhere. His dad, Derek Stingley Sr., played and coached in the NFL and the Arena League. His grandfather, Darryl Stingley, also played in the NFL.
This football bloodline gave Stingley Jr. a sense of purpose and drive. At The Dunham School, he racked up awards like Louisiana’s Mr. Football and wowed folks with his speed and ball skills.
Those early years? They set the stage for a career built on grit, family backing, and sky-high expectations.
Family Football Legacy Table
| Family Member | Football Involvement |
|---|---|
| Derek Stingley Jr. | NFL Cornerback |
| Derek Stingley Sr. | NFL & Arena Football player, Coach |
| Darryl Stingley | Former NFL Player |
College Football Career
Stingley Jr. stayed close to home and chose LSU for college. Right out of the gate in 2019, he became a starter and helped the Tigers win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
His coverage skills stood out all season. He grabbed six interceptions and broke up 15 passes, earning consensus All-American honors.
Injuries slowed him down at times over three years, but NFL scouts still saw his technique and athleticism shine through.
Notable LSU Stats
| Year | Games Played | Interceptions | Passes Defended | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15 | 6 | 15 | Consensus All-American |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 | 5 | All-SEC |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | 1 | — |
Transition to the NFL
The Houston Texans made Stingley Jr. their third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. That pick showed just how much they believed in his talent and potential.
The NFL brought tougher competition, and Stingley had to cover some of the league’s best receivers week in and week out. Even with some injury setbacks, he quickly became a key starter for Houston.
By his third season, he’d earned that record-setting $90 million extension with huge guaranteed money.
His approach? It’s a blend of family legacy and his own drive—no wonder he’s one of the AFC’s top cornerbacks.
Professional Career with the Houston Texans
Since he hit the NFL, Derek Stingley Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Texans’ defense. He brought those big LSU expectations with him and didn’t waste time making an impact.
Draft Selection and Rookie Season
Who could forget the buzz when Houston picked Stingley third overall in 2022? His LSU highlights had already made him a top prospect.
That rookie year, he faced a steep learning curve. He matched up against elite receivers and had to get used to the NFL’s speed.
Stingley started most games and often drew the toughest assignments. He wrapped up his rookie campaign with 43 tackles, 1 interception, and several pass breakups—pretty solid for a first-year corner.
| Season | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Breakups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 43 | 1 | 5 |
Key Performances and Highlights
A few moments really stand out from Stingley’s time in Houston. His first career interception came against the Jaguars and helped seal a win for the Texans.
He’s lined up against stars like Davante Adams and A.J. Brown, and he’s held his own. His physical style and quick reactions have disrupted plenty of passing attacks.
Each season, Stingley’s gotten sharper—making big stops and boosting his tackle numbers. Fans and analysts alike have praised his instincts, especially when the pressure’s on.
Role as Cornerback in the Defensive Scheme
In Houston’s defense, you’ll see Stingley as the No. 1 outside corner. He usually covers the top receiver, whether it’s man or zone.
Coach Demeco Ryans trusts Stingley to play on an island, letting him use his speed and length to challenge wideouts. That trust puts him at the heart of Houston’s pass defense.
His footwork and ability to read quarterbacks make him a perfect fit for the Texans’ aggressive approach. He also helps against the run and steps up when games are on the line.
If you want more on his career, check out his Texans profile or his contract info on Spotrac.
Net Worth Profile of Derek Stingley Jr.
Derek Stingley Jr. stands out as one of the NFL’s most recognized young corners. After a big-time run at LSU, he’s made his mark in Houston, landing major contracts and building a strong financial profile.
Current Estimated Net Worth
Right now, Derek Stingley Jr.’s estimated net worth is about $34.6 million. That comes mostly from his Texans contracts and the bonuses he’s picked up since joining the league.
Among defensive backs his age, his net worth is right up there with the best. It says a lot about his value and how much Houston believes in his future.
Key facts:
- Age: 23
- College: LSU
- Position: Cornerback
- Team: Houston Texans
NFL Contract and Salary Details
In March 2025, Stingley signed a three-year, $90 million extension with Houston. Of that, $89.02 million is guaranteed, and he grabbed a $25 million signing bonus.
He started out on a four-year rookie deal before this big extension. These contracts show just how much teams value lockdown corners these days.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Year | Total Value | Guaranteed | Signing Bonus | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2025 (Rookie) | $34,657,513 | $34,657,513 | $22,385,464 | Houston Texans |
| 2025-2028 (Extension) | $90,000,000 | $89,020,000 | $25,000,000 | Houston Texans |
His salary ranks right at the top for his position across the league.
Endorsements and Off-Field Earnings
You won’t spot Derek Stingley Jr. in every national commercial just yet, but he’s got endorsement income outside his Texans paycheck.
As an LSU alum and a Texas NFL star, regional brands and sports equipment companies have started to notice him. Most of his cash comes from football, but his off-field profile is growing—probably adding a few hundred thousand a year.
If he keeps playing at this level and the Texans defense keeps shining, you can bet his endorsement deals will get bigger. For now, his Texans contract is still the main driver of his net worth.
Impact and Recognition in the NFL
Derek Stingley Jr. wasted no time making waves as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. His quick rise turned heads and set a new bar for his position’s paychecks.
Awards and Honors
Since jumping from LSU, Stingley Jr. has racked up plenty of recognition. He made the NFL All-Rookie Team, thanks to his coverage skills and knack for making plays on the ball.
He’s drawn Pro Bowl consideration, especially after leading the Texans in interceptions and passes defended. Coaches and players around the league respect him, no question.
Stingley’s picked up AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors more than once, showing his ability to make game-changing plays. That contract extension? It made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
His name keeps popping up in postseason award talks and on those annual top cornerback lists. And you get the feeling he’s just getting started.
Notable Matchups with NFL Teams
Let me tell you, Stingley’s run with the Texans has featured some flat-out memorable battles against the NFL’s flashiest offenses. Take that showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars—he came up clutch, nabbing a game-sealing interception that totally flipped the division narrative.
When the Texans lined up against the Kansas City Chiefs, Stingley didn’t back down. He lined up across from their top receivers and proved he belonged at this level.
He faced the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers and really made life tough for their quarterbacks. Stingley kept the yardage low and broke up passes, which frustrated even some of the league’s most seasoned arms.
Fans definitely noticed his work against the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles too. He kept their star receivers quiet, holding them to numbers well below what folks expected.
You can see his value shine brightest in those big moments, especially when he’s shadowing elite wideouts from teams like the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks. Each matchup put his versatility, football IQ, and steady play on full display.
Key Defensive Stats vs. Top Teams
| Team | Tackles | INTs | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| Green Bay Packers | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Influence on the Houston Texans’ Defense
Stingley Jr. sits right at the heart of this Texans secondary. He’s helped transform the defense into one of the AFC’s most disciplined units.
With him out there, the Texans can get aggressive with their coverages. Safeties and linebackers get freed up for creative blitzes, and you can just feel that energy on the field.
His ability to take away a whole side of the field gives Houston an edge. It’s not just against the usual AFC South rivals, either—the Texans have looked sharper even when they face quarterbacks from the Saints, Browns, and Panthers.
Coaches and teammates always mention his relentless work ethic. He’s the guy putting in extra film sessions and showing up focused every week.
The results show up in the numbers. The Texans’ pass defense and takeaway stats have improved since Stingley Jr. joined the roster.
For a guy who starred at LSU, he’s quickly become the leader of a young, hungry Houston defense.
On-Field Skills and Playing Style
You get a cornerback with high football IQ, natural athleticism, and a real sense of discipline. Derek Stingley Jr., coming out of LSU, separates himself with his approach to both technique and mental prep every single game.
Defensive Techniques and Strengths
Stingley Jr. puts his size, speed, and agility to work, sticking with receivers play after play. He’s a confident defender at the line, and he often guesses routes before the receiver even makes a move.
His footwork is something else. He mirrors sharp cuts and sudden bursts of speed with ease.
Press coverage? That’s his wheelhouse. He uses his hands smartly, controls his space, and rarely gets pushed around by bigger receivers.
When Houston sends extra rushers, Stingley reacts fast. He diagnoses plays and makes those tough open-field tackles.
His ball skills stand out, too. Stingley tracks the ball, times his jumps, and breaks up passes that look like sure completions.
You see it in his interception and pass deflection numbers every season.
| Stat | 2023 Season | Career (2022-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Passes Defended | 14 | 31 |
| Interceptions | 5 | 9 |
| Tackles | 65 | 172 |
Matchups Against Top NFL Receivers
When you watch Stingley line up against the league’s best, you see a guy who’s not intimidated. He uses his physical gifts and football smarts to keep even the top receivers honest.
Facing route wizards like Keenan Allen or burners like Tyreek Hill, Stingley adjusts his positioning and hand techniques. He’s always tinkering, always learning.
Battles against quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers really test his patience and quick reactions. You’ll see him disguise his coverage, then close in fast when the ball leaves the quarterback’s hand.
His discipline keeps him in position, even against tricky double moves or contested catches.
In man-to-man, Stingley leans on sharp instincts and what he picks up in film study. In zone, he communicates well with safeties and linebackers to keep things tight.
That mix of physical and mental tools? It lets him compete with just about any wideout in the NFL.
Off the Field: Personal Life and Community Involvement
Derek Stingley Jr. isn’t just the Texans’ star cornerback or a proud LSU alum. Off the field, he’s built a reputation for giving back and staying grounded.
Philanthropic Activities
Stingley Jr. puts his energy into causes for young athletes and kids who need a boost. Through football camps and youth clinics, he focuses on mentorship and building skills.
He runs these events both in Houston and back home, giving kids a real shot to learn from someone who’s played at every level.
He also donates his time—and money—to local charity events in Houston. School visits and holiday toy drives have become regular parts of his off-season.
He teams up with LSU for outreach programs that encourage education and leadership, keeping those Tiger roots strong.
Here’s a quick look at Stingley Jr.’s recent community stats:
| Event Type | Number per Year | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Football Camps | 3 | Youth Development |
| School Visits | 7 | Education Support |
| Charity Drives | 4 | Local Charities |
Media Presence and Public Image
When you watch Stingley Jr. in the media, you see a guy who keeps things steady and professional. He never really chases headlines or looks for controversy.
In interviews, he talks about team goals and always shares credit with his teammates and coaches. He respects his opponents, too—something you don’t always see.
He’s got social media accounts, but he keeps things pretty moderate. You’ll catch everything from team highlights to the occasional motivational post.
You get the sense he values his privacy, even if he still wants to connect with fans. When it comes to endorsements or partnerships, he picks them carefully—usually athletic wear or causes that actually mean something to him.
His image really feels like the classic disciplined NFL pro. That’s probably shaped by his family’s football roots and his days at LSU.
Honestly, in a league where what you do off the field matters almost as much as your stats, Stingley Jr. stands out for all the right reasons.
