“Even with the good, you know, the bad is going to always come. And I will always say block out the outside noise. You only control what you can control." Derek Stingley Jr's advice from his father
Special episode to kick off Super Bowl week as Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with a football family spanning three NFL generations. Louisiana natives nick-named Big Sting and Little Sting-Derek Stingley Sr. and Derek Stingley Jr. chat about legacy of their family name in football, dealing with heartache, overcoming unimaginable challenges, the sacrifices it takes to reach the highest level of the game and how to stay at the top once you are there.
Derek Stingley Jr, Houston Texans' All Pro Cornerback, is one of the most explosive and skilled players in the NFL, going from a stand out at LSU and part of the 2019 National Championship team to now paving his own path as one of the top defensive players in the league while living out the legacy of his family name. But the young Stingley's football story started long ago.
His father shares the story of Sting's grandfather, Darryl Stingley, whose career was tragically cut short after a paralyzing hit in an NFL preseason game. Derek Stingley Sr recalls watching the hit that would forever alter their family's life and despite the trauma of his father’s injury, Stingley Sr. never ran from football. He explains that his father instilled in him the mindset that “as football players, we assume the risks'," and this same mentality was passed down to his son, Stingley Jr who shares in the memories of his late grandfather, his approach to the game and how his own dad's tough coaching prepared him for the NFL level now.
As a proud father, Stingley Sr understands its the 1% of the 1% who make it to the NFL but recalls the "this is different" moment when he first saw something special in his son, Derek Jr while coaching him as a young boy who always wanted to match up against the older kids and thrived on competition. “I stood back there with my hands on my hair like, oh my God, like, how could somebody that young do that or think that?".
Stingley Jr. reflects on his journey to the NFL, from his time at LSU, where he was regarded as the best player on the team as a freshman on a National championship team that featured Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. He and his father discuss how they handled the outside noise whether it’s praise or criticism.
When it comes to on-the-field matchups, Stingley Jr. breaks down his first experiences in the NFL, discussing the speed of the game, going against elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, and recognizing the talent of practice squad players who don’t get the credit they deserve. He assesses his season, believing he could have had far more interceptions, showcasing the high expectations he holds for himself. Having played the Kansas City Chiefs twice this year, Sting shares what he thinks the Philadelphia Eagles must do to slow down the man in red and white wearing #15 looking for his 3rd back to back title in Super Bowl LIX.
Stingley Jr. reflecting on what he wants his legacy to be, stating that when people hear his name, he wants them to say he made his family proud. With a father and grandfather whose legacies are woven into football history, He understands the weight of his last name but instead of running from it, he embraces it.
This episode is a true testament to family, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. The Stingley’s story is more than just football, It’s about overcoming adversity, honoring legacy, and building something that lasts beyond the game. Don't forget to hit subscribe on YouTube for all the latest updates and new releases.
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