When you’re one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL, people notice every move you make. On the field, Derek Stingley Jr. is a ghost—shadowing wide receivers until they basically disappear from the stat sheet. But off the field? The Houston Texans star hasn't been nearly as elusive lately. Honestly, if you’ve been following the 2024 and 2025 seasons, you’ve probably seen the headlines about his personal life exploding in the best way possible.
There is a lot of noise out there. Fans are constantly Googling Derek Stingley Jr girlfriend to see who is standing next to him in those post-game tunnel photos. But here’s the thing: she’s not just a "plus-one." Her name is Annabella Campagna, and she’s a powerhouse in her own right.
They aren't just dating anymore, either. The status has officially upgraded.
From "Girlfriend" to Fiancée: The Big October Moment
Most NFL players use their bye week to sit on a couch and play video games. Stingley had a different plan. In October 2025, during the Texans' Week 6 break, he took Annabella to a meadow—very romantic, very low-key—and dropped to one knee.
She said yes. Obviously.
The ring wasn't exactly subtle. Reports from the New York Post described it as a massive, elongated diamond set on a gold band. Annabella later shared snapshots of the moment on Instagram, calling October 10, 2025, the "most perfect day." It was a huge year for Stingley, coming just months after he signed a massive $90 million contract extension with the Texans.
Talk about a heater.
Who Is Annabella Campagna?
You might think an NFL WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) is just about the lifestyle, but Annabella has a serious resume. She’s an athlete. She played soccer at Pace University in New York and was even the team captain during her junior year in 2019.
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She also has the brains to match the footwork. In May 2024, she earned her Master’s degree in mental health counseling from Pace. Nowadays, she works as a fitness trainer, which explains why she and Derek seem to be a "fit-couple" match made in heaven.
They started dating back in 2023. By September 2024, they were celebrating their first anniversary with posts that basically confirmed they were in it for the long haul.
A New Generation: The Baby Announcement
The news didn't stop with a ring. Just a month after the engagement, the couple dropped another bombshell on social media. They are expecting a baby boy in April 2026.
Derek Stingley Sr.—who was a legend in the Arena Football League—is already hyped. He joked on social media that he’d be "training for another 20 years" once his grandson arrives. Considering the DNA involved here, that kid is going to be a problem on a sports field.
Think about the lineage:
- Great-Grandfather: Played for the Chicago Cardinals.
- Grandfather: Darryl Stingley, the legendary New England Patriots receiver.
- Father: Arena League star and coach.
- Mother (Annabella): College soccer captain.
- Dad: All-Pro NFL cornerback.
That’s a lot of pressure for a nursery.
Why People Get the Timeline Wrong
If you're looking for drama or a long list of exes, you won't find much with Stingley. He’s been pretty locked in since he got to Houston. Some people still think he's single or dating someone from his LSU days, but that's old news.
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Annabella has been the constant through his rise from a top-three draft pick to a $90 million man. She’s frequently seen at NRG Stadium, usually rocking some custom Texans gear that makes the "best dressed" lists on TikTok.
What This Means for Stingley’s Career
Some fans worry that "life getting in the way" can distract a young player. For Stingley, it seems to have done the opposite. Since he started dating Annabella, his production has skyrocketed. He’s gone from a "high-potential" rookie to a multi-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
Having that stability at home matters. When he isn't baiting quarterbacks into throwing picks, he’s preparing for a wedding and a newborn. It’s a lot to juggle, but if he handles fatherhood like he handles a vertical route, the Texans are in good hands.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with the couple without getting lost in the rumors, here is how to stay informed:
- Follow the Source: Annabella is pretty active on Instagram. That’s where the engagement and pregnancy news broke first.
- Check the Sidelines: She is a fixture at Texans home games. If Stingley makes a big play, the cameras usually find her in the stands.
- Watch for April 2026: That’s the due date for the newest member of the Stingley football dynasty.
The story of Derek Stingley Jr. and his fiancée is still being written, but they’ve quickly become one of the most respected "power couples" in the AFC.