Photo: Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. Appears to React to Surtain’s DPOY Win with Meme

Jack MurrayFebruary 7, 2025

Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. may be feeling snubbed after Thursday’s NFL Honors.

Stingley did not finish as a finalist for the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, which was awarded to Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

Following the announcement. Stingley took to social media to post a meme referencing LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic comeback during the 2016 NBA Finals.

B/R Gridiron @brgridironDerek Stingley feeling snubbed for DPOY? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ulnmhQNlIw

Surtain won the award over Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun. He is the first defensive back to win the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019.

Surtain had four interceptions, one forced fumble, 11 pass deflections and 45 total tackles in 16 games for the Broncos in 2024. He returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown and had 132 return yards on interceptions. His lockdown play at cornerback helped the team go 10-7 and reach the postseason for the first time since 2015.

Statistically, Stingley has quite the case. He had five interceptions with 18 pass deflections and 54 total tackles. Both players were named to the Pro Bowl and were the two First Team All-Pro selections at cornerback.

Surtain got 49 of the 50 first-place votes for the All-Pro selection and it was his second time receiving the honor. Stingley, on the other hand, got the nod for the first time and experienced his first true breakout season since being selected third overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

While Stingley didn’t earn the coveted award, it looks like the snub can serve as extra motivation for him as he looks to continue the positive trajectory that the 2024 season set him on.