Houston's star cornerback went viral after snagging a stray ball with one hand, maintaining his composure even as the impact shattered his expensive signature jewelry mid-game.
The Houston Texans don't make headlines in the preseason. They do this preseason.
If it's not a late blown lead to the NFL's worst team from a season ago in preseason, it's starting quarterback C.J. Stroud asking for $70 million on the heels of a 61.7 QBR, 19 touchdown, eight interception season that netted 3,041 passing yards in 14 games.
It does not take football news for the Texans to steal the headlines. One player is making the news simply because of what happened on the sideline of a preseason game.
Texans star defensive back Derek Stingley caught an errant pass with one hand. In the process, he saw his jewelry get damaged as Stingley's chain fell off to the ground.
Steve Silverman of Clutch Points discussed Stingley's reaction to the broken jewelry. Here's how Silverman described his response to seeing his chain break.
"There is no doubt that Stingley is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and that he will likely remain an elite performer in the 2026 season as long as he remains healthy. However, Stingley suffered a loss Thursday night in the Texans' preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Stingley was standing on the sidelines during the game and was causally observing the action and drinking a beverage when a football came his way.
Stingley was able to catch the ball with ease, but it also happened to hit his chest where his ornate chain with a 'Sting' designation hung down. Once ball hit the chain, the notable design portion of that neckwear broke and hit the ground.
Always the cool customer, Stingley did not react to the chain breaking, but he clearly was not happy with the development."
Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesStingley's nonreaction is impressive given how valuable the chain undoubtedly is. Even so, Stingley's "viral" response, as Silverman called it, made waves without the cornerback really doing much at all.
The Texans corner will have a chance to let out frustration on the field in the regular season. Stingley and company have unfinished business after how the team's last season ended.
Stingley and the Texans defense were not at fault for the team's disappointing loss to the New England Patriots in the playoffs. That's not to say they are taking the loss that way.
With the preseason nearing it's end it's almost time for the NFL regular season. The Texans will hope to start strong with a good week 1.
