Derek Stingley Jr. is one of the most talented and promising cornerbacks in the NFL. He was drafted third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft, after a stellar college career at LSU. He has already made an impact in his rookie season, recording 43 tackles, one sack, one interception and five pass deflections.
But did you know that Derek Stingley Jr. is also related to another former NFL player, who had a tragic and career-ending injury on the field? That player is Darryl Stingley, who was a wide receiver for the New England Patriots in the 1970s. In this article, we will explore the family connection between Derek and Darryl, and how their stories are intertwined by fate and football.
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Who is Darryl Stingley?
Darryl Stingley was born on September 18, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a star running back and honor student at John Marshall High School, and then a standout wide receiver at Purdue University. He was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft, along with John Hannah and Sam Cunningham.
Darryl Stingley had a promising career with the Patriots, catching 110 passes for 1,883 yards and 14 touchdowns in five seasons. He also had two rushing touchdowns and was a versatile return specialist. He was known for his speed, agility and toughness.
However, his career came to a sudden and tragic end on August 12, 1978, in a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. As he stretched for an errant pass from Steve Grogan, he was hit by Raiders defensive back Jack Tatum. The collision compressed his spinal cord and broke his fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae. He was paralyzed from the neck down and never walked again.
Darryl Stingley spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, suffering from various complications and health issues. He died on April 5, 2007, at the age of 55, from heart disease and pneumonia.
Derek Stingley Jr. is the grandson of Darryl Stingley’s brother, Harold Stingley Sr. Harold Stingley Sr. was also a football player, who played at Grambling State University and briefly in the Canadian Football League. He later became a coach and mentor for young athletes in Chicago.
Derek Stingley Jr. was born on June 20, 2001, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is the son of Derek Stingley Sr., who played baseball at Triton College and Illinois State University. Derek Stingley Sr. is also a football coach, who currently works as the defensive coordinator for The Dunham School in Baton Rouge.
Derek Stingley Jr. grew up playing football under his father’s guidance. He attended The Dunham School, where he was a five-star recruit and the top-ranked player in his class by Rivals.com. He committed to LSU, where he became a star cornerback and a consensus All-American. He helped the Tigers win the national championship in 2019.
Derek Stingley Jr. has always been aware of his uncle Darryl’s story and legacy. He wears number 24 in honor of him, as well as other great cornerbacks like Champ Bailey and Darrelle Revis. He also has a tattoo of Darryl’s face on his arm, with the words “Never Forgotten”.
Derek Stingley Jr. has said that he draws inspiration and motivation from his uncle Darryl’s courage and perseverance. He also said that he wants to make his family proud and carry on their name in the NFL.
What are the similarities and differences between Derek and Darryl?
Derek Stingley Jr. and Darryl Stingley share more than just a bloodline and a passion for football. They also have some similarities in their playing styles and personalities.
Both Derek and Darryl are fast, athletic and explosive players who can make big plays on both sides of the ball. They are also versatile and can play multiple positions on offense, defense and special teams.
Both Derek and Darryl are humble, hard-working and respectful players who lead by example on and off the field. They are also dedicated students who value education and academic excellence.
However, there are also some differences between Derek and Darryl that reflect their different eras and circumstances.
Derek Stingley Jr. plays in a more modern and sophisticated NFL that has evolved over time in terms of rules, technology and safety measures. He has access to better equipment, training and medical care than his uncle Darryl did.
Darryl Stingley played in a more violent and brutal NFL that had fewer protections and regulations for players. He suffered a horrific injury that would be unlikely to happen today, thanks to the changes in the game and the awareness of the dangers of head and neck injuries.
Derek Stingley Jr. has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL, where he can showcase his talents and achieve his goals. He has the potential to become one of the best cornerbacks in the league and a future Hall of Famer.
Darryl Stingley had his future cut short by a tragic accident that robbed him of his career and his mobility. He had to overcome many challenges and hardships in his life, but he never gave up or lost hope.
Conclusion
Derek Stingley Jr. and Darryl Stingley are two remarkable football players who are related by blood and by destiny. They have both made their mark on the game and on the lives of many people.
Derek Stingley Jr. is the grandson of Darryl Stingley’s brother, Harold Stingley Sr. He wears number 24 and has a tattoo of Darryl’s face on his arm, as a tribute to his uncle. He is inspired by Darryl’s story and wants to honor his legacy.
Darryl Stingley was a wide receiver for the Patriots, who was paralyzed by a hit from Jack Tatum in 1978. He spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but he never lost his spirit or his love for football. He died in 2007, but he is never forgotten.
Derek Stingley Jr. and Darryl Stingley are both examples of courage, resilience and excellence. They are both part of the NFL family, and they are both part of the Stingley family.
