Steven Nelson Takes On Advisor Role To Texans Rookie Derek Stingley Jr.
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HOUSTON — Derek Stingley Jr. is entering his first season as a member of the Houston Texans with lofty expectations.
The Texans drafted Stingley with the no. 3 pick of the 2022 NFL Draft in April, and several veteran players have taken it upon themselves to be a mentor to the rookie defensive back. But Steven Nelson has taken the helm as Stingley's most experienced and trusted adviser inside the locker room of NRG Stadium.
"Just being a guy he could come to — whether it's on or off the field," Nelson said following training camp practice on Tuesday. "Just being a big brother figure to him, and the rest is history. He can play ball the way he's supposed to play ball."
Nelson understands the importance of having a veteran who can help lay a foundation for a young player's career.
During his first two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, five-time Pro-Bowl safety Eric Berry served as Nelson's veteran. And now, Nelson has a desire to pay forward the lessons he learned from Berry to Stingley throughout the 2022 campaign.
During training camp, Nelson's most significant teachings have involved helping Stingley understand formations and how to defend a variety of receivers to help his talents translate to the NFL.
"It's a lot of things that go into it," Nelson said. "Helping him understand formation-wise, personnel-wise, down and distance. Pretty much telling him how the offense is going to attack at any given point. That's my biggest thing, to try to help him out with."
Nelson's early schooling helped Stingley put together a promising NFL debut during the Texans' 24-20 preseason victory against the Los Angeles Rams Friday night.
Inside SoFi Stadium, Stingley played 15 snaps and recorded a pass deflection on quarterback John Wolford, whose intended target was for wideout Landen Akers.
The opportunity for Stingley to learn from Nelson could leave a profound impact on his NFL career. Nelson is an eight-year veteran who has recorded 341 tackles (287 solo hits), 59 pass deflections and eight interceptions since entering the league in 2015.
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