Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda

Derek Stingley Jr. is an American professional football player who plays as a cornerback for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 20, 2001, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stingley played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) before being selected third overall by the Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Beyond his successful football career, Stingley comes from a family with an extraordinary athletic background. His father played professional football and baseball, while his grandfather was a former NFL wide receiver for the New England Patriots.
Stingley has also started a family of his own. He became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Annabella Campagna, in October 2025, and the couple welcomed their first child in April 2026.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s fiancée is Annabella Campagna, and they have a son named Derek Stingley III. His parents are Derek Stingley Sr. and Natasha Stingley, and he has three sisters: Nahjha, Isis, and Sanaa Stingley.
Here is everything publicly known about Derek Stingley Jr.’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating or Married?
Derek Stingley Jr. is engaged to Annabella Campagna, a former college soccer player and fitness instructor.
The couple began dating in 2023 and announced their engagement in October 2025.
Although Annabella has reportedly adopted the Stingley surname on social media, their marriage has not been independently confirmed through a public wedding announcement or other reliable documentation.
Therefore, she is most accurately described as his fiancée rather than definitively identified as his wife.
Who Is Annabella Campagna?
Annabella Campagna is the longtime partner and fiancée of Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
She grew up in New York and attended Monroe-Woodbury High School before enrolling at Pace University.
Annabella was a talented soccer player who competed for the Pace Setters women’s soccer team.
According to her official university athletics biography, she played as a midfielder and defender during her college career.
She appeared in 12 games during the 2019 season and served as a team captain.
Her athletic accomplishments also included recognition on the Northeast-10 Conference Academic Honor Roll.
In addition to her undergraduate education, Annabella pursued graduate studies.
According to an October 2025 Houston Chronicle profile, she earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Pace University in 2024.
She subsequently worked as a fitness instructor in Houston, Texas.
Her combination of athletic experience, education, and interest in wellness has attracted attention since her relationship with Stingley became public.
How Did Derek Stingley Jr. Meet Annabella Campagna?
Derek Stingley Jr. and Annabella Campagna began dating in 2023.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the couple had been together for approximately two years when they announced their engagement in October 2025.
However, the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been reliably documented.
Both share a strong connection to competitive sports.
Stingley established himself as one of the NFL’s leading defensive backs, while Annabella previously played Division II college soccer.
Despite their increasing public recognition, the couple has generally maintained privacy regarding the early stages of their relationship.
Derek Stingley Jr. and Annabella Campagna’s Engagement
Derek Stingley Jr. proposed to Annabella Campagna on October 10, 2025.
The engagement occurred during the Houston Texans’ bye week, giving Stingley an opportunity to celebrate an important personal milestone away from the football field.
On October 14, 2025, the couple shared photographs of the proposal on Instagram.
The images showed Stingley getting down on one knee and presenting Annabella with a diamond engagement ring.
Annabella described the occasion as a perfect day to begin their future together.
The announcement attracted congratulations from football fans, friends, and other members of the NFL community.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the couple had recently celebrated their second anniversary before becoming engaged.
Is Annabella Campagna Derek Stingley Jr.’s Wife?
As of now, Derek Stingley Jr. and Annabella Campagna are publicly confirmed to be engaged.
In June 2026, the Houston Chronicle reported that Annabella had changed her surname to Stingley on social media but noted that the couple’s marital status had not been confirmed.
Consequently, it would be premature to provide a wedding date or claim that they are legally married.
What is confirmed is that the couple share a son and have publicly expressed their commitment to building a future together.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes, Derek Stingley Jr. has a son named Derek Stingley III, who was born on April 29, 2026.
The Houston Texans cornerback welcomed his first child with his fiancée, Annabella Campagna.
The birth was publicly announced through Annabella’s Instagram account and confirmed in a May 3, 2026, report published by Chron.
The couple had previously announced their pregnancy in November 2025.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Son: Derek Stingley III
Derek Stingley III was born on April 29, 2026.
He is the first publicly confirmed child of Derek Stingley Jr. and Annabella Campagna.
Annabella shared the announcement on social media in early May, celebrating the arrival of their baby boy.
The child’s name continues the family tradition established by his father and grandfather.
His grandfather is Derek Stingley Sr., a former professional football player and coach.
His father is Derek Stingley Jr., an All-Pro NFL cornerback.
The baby therefore represents another generation of the Stingley family carrying the Derek name.
Although the family has a remarkable athletic history, the couple has not publicly indicated what interests or sports they hope their son will pursue as he grows older.
How Fatherhood Changed Derek Stingley Jr.
Becoming a father has introduced an important new responsibility into Stingley’s life.
In June 2026, he discussed his son during an interview with KPRC 2 Houston.
Stingley explained that fatherhood had given him additional motivation because he now recognized that he was playing not only for himself but also for his child.
He also spoke about the kind of father he hoped to become.
His greatest ambition was to provide the same level of care and guidance that he had received from Derek Stingley Sr.
The comments demonstrated the lasting importance of his relationship with his own father.
Instead of focusing only on athletic success, Stingley expressed a desire to build a meaningful relationship with his son.
Does Derek Stingley Jr. Have More Than One Child?
As of now, Derek Stingley III is his only publicly confirmed child.
There have been no reliable announcements establishing that Stingley and Annabella have welcomed additional children.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Derek Stingley Jr.’s parents are Derek Stingley Sr. and Natasha Stingley.
Their identities are confirmed in an October 2019 profile published by LSU Athletics.
His father has an extensive background in professional athletics and football coaching, while his mother has worked in law enforcement.
Together, they raised four children in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Father: Derek Stingley Sr.
Derek Stingley Sr. is a former professional football player, baseball player, and football coach.
Born on April 9, 1971, he grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and developed an interest in multiple sports.
He attended Purdue University before continuing his education and athletic career at junior colleges, including Triton College.
In 1993, the Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the Major League Baseball Draft.
He subsequently played professional baseball in the Phillies’ minor-league organization.
After leaving baseball, Derek Sr. pursued professional football.
He played in the Arena Football League, competing as a defensive back and wide receiver.
His professional experience eventually led to coaching opportunities with arena football organizations.
He served as head coach of the New Orleans VooDoo and the Pittsburgh Power, among other positions.
His athletic experience became especially valuable when his son began demonstrating an interest in football.
How Derek Stingley Sr. Trained His Son
From an early age, Derek Stingley Jr. received football training and guidance from his father.
According to LSU Athletics, Stingley developed a fascination with football when he was approximately three years old.
He spent considerable time practicing with a football in the family’s backyard.
As he grew older, Derek Sr. helped him improve his speed, footwork, physical conditioning, and defensive technique.
Having previously played defensive back himself, Derek Sr. understood many of the skills required to succeed at the position.
He also emphasized the importance of preparation, confidence, and discipline.
The relationship continued throughout Derek Jr.’s college football career and transition to the NFL.
Even after becoming an All-Pro cornerback, Stingley continued training with his father during the offseason.
How Derek Stingley Sr. Helped His Son Secure an NFL Contract
One memorable example of the father-son relationship occurred in March 2025.
The Houston Texans agreed to a three-year, $90 million contract extension with Derek Stingley Jr.
According to NFL.com, Stingley learned that the agreement had been completed while exercising with his father.
Derek Sr. informed his son about the contract during their workout.
Stingley later expressed gratitude for his father’s lifelong involvement in his football development.
He explained that much of his success would not have been possible without his father’s encouragement, coaching, and personal support.
In November 2025, Derek Sr. also expressed excitement when he learned that his son was expecting a baby boy.
He joked about preparing to spend another 20 years training the next generation of the family.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Mother: Natasha Stingley
Derek Stingley Jr.’s mother is Natasha Stingley.
Her identity and professional background are documented in LSU Athletics’ October 2019 profile.
According to the university, Natasha worked in law enforcement.
While Derek Sr. contributed extensive athletic knowledge to the family, Natasha helped emphasize humility, responsibility, and discipline.
LSU’s profile described both parents as important influences on their son’s personality and athletic development.
Despite becoming one of the nation’s most highly regarded college football prospects, Stingley developed a reputation for maintaining a quiet and relatively humble personality.
These qualities were partly attributed to the values encouraged by his parents.
Natasha also continued supporting her son after he entered the NFL.
In March 2025, she attended the press conference celebrating his historic contract extension with Houston.
Her presence alongside Derek Sr. and Annabella demonstrated the close connections between Stingley and his family.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Derek Stingley Jr. has three sisters: Nahjha Stingley, Isis Stingley, and Sanaa Stingley.
Their names were publicly confirmed in a September 2010 report published by KSLA News 12 about Derek Stingley Sr. becoming head coach of the New Orleans VooDoo.
The article identified Derek Sr. and Natasha as the parents of four children: Nahjha, Isis, Derek Jr., and Sanaa.
At the time, Nahjha was 19 years old, Isis was 18, Derek Jr. was nine, and Sanaa was six.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Older Sister: Nahjha Stingley
Nahjha Stingley is Derek Stingley Jr.’s oldest publicly identified sister.
She grew up in the family headed by Derek Stingley Sr. and Natasha Stingley.
According to KSLA’s September 2010 report, Nahjha was 19 years old at the time.
She was therefore considerably older than Derek Jr., who was nine.
Although Nahjha’s identity is publicly documented, her educational background, professional occupation, and personal relationships have not been extensively covered by major sports publications.
She has generally maintained a private life outside her brother’s football career.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Sister: Isis Stingley
Isis Stingley is another of Derek Stingley Jr.’s older sisters.
The September 2010 KSLA report identified her as 18 years old.
Like Nahjha, she was part of the family during Derek’s early childhood and the period when their father pursued professional coaching opportunities.
Her personal and professional activities have not been widely documented through reliable public sources.
Consequently, details about her education, occupation, and relationships remain private.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Younger Sister: Sanaa Stingley
Sanaa Stingley is Derek Stingley Jr.’s younger sister.
According to the same September 2010 report, Sanaa was six years old at the time, making her approximately three years younger than Derek Jr.
She grew up in Baton Rouge alongside her brother and older sisters.
Although the Stingley family has received considerable attention because of its football connections, Sanaa’s educational and professional background has not been extensively reported.
She has generally remained outside the public spotlight.
Does Derek Stingley Jr. Have a Brother?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Derek Stingley Jr. has a brother.
The 2010 New Orleans VooDoo family announcement identified four children, with Derek Jr. as the only son.
His three publicly documented siblings are Nahjha, Isis, and Sanaa.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Grandfather: Darryl Stingley
Derek Stingley Jr.’s paternal grandfather was Darryl Stingley, a former NFL wide receiver for the New England Patriots.
Darryl was selected in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft after playing college football at Purdue University.
He spent five seasons with the Patriots and established himself as a talented offensive player.
However, his professional career ended after a devastating injury during a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders on August 12, 1978.
Darryl suffered a severe spinal cord injury following a collision with defensive back Jack Tatum.
The injury left him paralyzed and permanently ended his football career.
Despite the tragedy, Darryl remained a respected figure in professional football.
He later participated in community and charitable initiatives and continued maintaining connections with his family.
Darryl passed away in April 2007 at the age of 55.
How Darryl Stingley’s Legacy Influenced His Grandson
Although Derek Stingley Jr. was young when his grandfather died, he has spoken about remembering him.
In interviews, Stingley recalled visiting Darryl during Christmas celebrations.
His grandfather sometimes entertained him by wearing or giving him Darth Vader-themed items from Star Wars.
Those memories became particularly meaningful as Stingley grew older and learned more about his grandfather’s football career.
Despite understanding the risks associated with professional football, Stingley decided to pursue the sport.
He has emphasized the importance of competing confidently rather than allowing fear of injury to determine his approach.
The family’s football history now extends across multiple generations, from Darryl’s NFL career to Derek Sr.’s professional playing and coaching career and Derek Jr.’s success with the Texans.
Annabella Campagna’s Athletic Family Background
Derek Stingley Jr.’s fiancée also comes from a family with professional sports connections.
Annabella’s parents are Charles and Lynda Campagna, according to her official Pace University soccer biography.
Her father, commonly known as Chuck Campagna, previously played defensive end in the Canadian Football League.
According to the Houston Chronicle, he was also associated with the New England Patriots during the 1979 preseason.
Annabella subsequently became a successful college soccer player.
Her own athletic experience provides another connection between the Stingley and Campagna families.
With both parents having competed at high levels in different sports, their son Derek Stingley III comes from an extended family with a notable athletic history.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Childhood and Early Football Career
Derek Stingley Jr. was born on June 20, 2001, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
He developed an interest in football at an early age and received training from his father.
Stingley attended The Dunham School, where he became one of the most highly regarded high school football prospects in the United States.
During his high school career, he recorded 27 interceptions and contributed at cornerback, safety, wide receiver, and return specialist.
His outstanding performances earned him Louisiana Gatorade Football Player of the Year honors in 2018.
He also received recognition as a five-star recruit and one of the nation’s top overall prospects.
Stingley committed to Louisiana State University and enrolled in January 2019.
During his freshman season, he immediately became one of the team’s most important defensive players.
He recorded six interceptions and helped LSU complete a perfect 15-0 season.
The Tigers subsequently defeated Clemson in January 2020 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Stingley earned consensus All-American recognition following his outstanding freshman performances.
He continued playing at LSU through the 2021 season before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s NFL Career and Family Support
The Houston Texans selected Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
His selection represented an important achievement for a family with decades of professional football experience.
Although injuries limited his playing time during his early NFL seasons, Stingley continued developing into one of the league’s leading defensive backs.
During the 2024 season, he recorded five interceptions and earned First-Team All-Pro honors.
His performances helped the Texans reach the playoffs and establish one of the NFL’s strongest defensive units.
In March 2025, Houston rewarded him with a three-year, $90 million contract extension.
He again earned First-Team All-Pro recognition for his performances during the 2025 season.
Throughout these achievements, Stingley maintained a close relationship with his father, who continued assisting with his training.
His mother and Annabella also attended significant career celebrations.
In April 2026, Stingley welcomed his first child, providing another meaningful milestone in his personal life.
As of now, he remains one of Houston’s most important defensive players while embracing the responsibilities of fatherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derek Stingley Jr.’s Family
Who is Derek Stingley Jr.’s girlfriend?
Derek Stingley Jr.’s longtime girlfriend is Annabella Campagna, a former Pace University soccer player. The couple began dating in 2023 and became engaged in October 2025.
Is Derek Stingley Jr. married?
Stingley and Annabella Campagna announced their engagement on October 14, 2025. Although Annabella has reportedly adopted the Stingley surname on social media, their marriage has not been independently confirmed.
Does Derek Stingley Jr. have children?
Yes. Derek Stingley Jr. has a son named Derek Stingley III, born on April 29, 2026, with his fiancée, Annabella Campagna.
Who is Derek Stingley Jr.’s father?
His father is Derek Stingley Sr., a former professional baseball player, Arena Football League player, and football coach who has trained his son since childhood.
Who is Derek Stingley Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Natasha Stingley, who has worked in law enforcement and helped raise Derek and his three sisters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
How many siblings does Derek Stingley Jr. have?
Derek Stingley Jr. has three sisters named Nahjha, Isis, and Sanaa Stingley.
Does Derek Stingley Jr. have a brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that he has a brother. Official reporting about the Stingley family identifies him as the only son among four children.
Who is Derek Stingley Jr.’s grandfather?
His paternal grandfather was Darryl Stingley, a former New England Patriots wide receiver whose NFL career ended after a serious spinal cord injury in 1978.
When did Derek Stingley Jr. become a father?
He became a father on April 29, 2026, when Annabella Campagna gave birth to their son, Derek Stingley III.
Where is Derek Stingley Jr.’s family from?
Derek Stingley Jr. grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His father and paternal grandfather also have strong connections to Chicago, Illinois, where earlier generations of the family lived.

Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
