Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. did not receive a finalist nomination for the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, a decision that may leave him feeling overlooked. The award was presented to Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. In the wake of this announcement, Stingley expressed his sentiments on social media, posting a meme that alluded to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers' remarkable comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Surtain triumphed over notable competitors for the award, including 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. With this accolade, Surtain became the first defensive back to receive the honor since Stephon Gilmore in 2019. Throughout the 2024 season, Surtain recorded four interceptions, one forced fumble, 11 pass deflections, and a total of 45 tackles across 16 games. Notably, he returned one interception for a touchdown and amassed 132 return yards on interceptions, showcasing his dominance in the secondary and contributing to the Broncos' 10-7 record and postseason berth for the first time since 2015.

Statistically, Derek Stingley Jr. made a strong case for consideration, finishing the season with five interceptions, 18 pass deflections, and 54 total tackles. Both Stingley and Surtain were selected for the Pro Bowl and recognized as First Team All-Pro cornerbacks. In the All-Pro voting, Surtain received 49 out of 50 first-place votes, marking his second selection. Conversely, Stingley gained this recognition for the first time, highlighting his breakthrough season following his selection as the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Although he did not secure the prestigious award, this perceived snub could fuel Stingley's motivation as he aims to build on the positive momentum established during the 2024 season.