Stefon Diggs, at his first press conference after being traded to the Texans from the Buffalo Bills, conveyed his joy at being in Houston by describing the chance as “a breath of fresh air.” Since arriving in Texas, Diggs has been grinning a lot because he feels like the Texans organization has welcomed him.
“They’re very welcoming,” Diggs said. “With open arms, and I think it’s vital for me to be a part of something like that. It is real. You flourish in that environment. You flourish in an environment where you are appreciated. Thrive in a setting where those who genuinely care about you and want you to succeed are all around you.
Despite years of regular success in Buffalo, as last season approached another dismal playoff defeat, tensions between Diggs and the Bills surfaced, and his future with the organization became doubtful. When asked earlier in the week whether he anticipated being moved, Diggs said, “It was going in that direction.”
But his performance speaks for itself, and the Texans have seen flashes of what propelled Diggs to first in catches (445), fourth in touchdowns (37), and fourth in receiving yards (5,372) after the Minnesota Vikings dealt him to the Bills in 2020.
“Diggs has come in and been a leader, which I’m proud of him for; he’s just been selfless and wanted to see other guys eat,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “That was his major focus. He wanted to be near other dogs, so he took up a position where dogs were everywhere. He glances right and left; there will be a dog. He desired that, and that is what we offer to the table. He’s been nothing but fantastic so far, and I’m extremely pleased to work with him.”
Diggs was signed to assist Stroud as he enters his second season after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. A receiver room featuring Nico Collins, who signed a three-year, $72.75 million agreement in May, Tank Dell, and Diggs may help an offense that ranked 13th in scoring (22.7) reach new heights.
During OTAs and minicamp, the connection between Diggs and Stroud was evident as Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik deployed him in numerous wide positions.
Even when Diggs hasn’t touched the ball, his presence has created space for Dell and Collins, whom Stroud has found for huge plays. However, Diggs’ dedication shines out just as much as his abilities.
“The man is just so competitive, and it shows on tape,” said Slowik. “He is a lot like our quarterback in that he will do anything necessary to win the game, whether he doesn’t have the ball, he has the ball in his hands. At all times, he is in between the white lines and doing everything he can to win.”
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, has pushed defensive backs to improve while also offering advice to his fellow receivers when they have problems.
And if the 30-year-old veteran watches one of his offensive teammates make a play, he immediately congratulates them.
“I’ve been around the league for a little while now,” Diggs said, “so earning the respect of your peers first and earning the respect of your coaches, being where you’re supposed to be, and taking your time each day; I take it pretty seriously.”
Diggs has been spotted displaying evident irritation on the sidelines in his last two visits, but he claims those situations were just him expressing his desire to win.
“I don’t take things personally from people I don’t know,” Diggs said. “I try not to go into how I feel about certain topics or other people’s perspectives. They understand who I am as a player and a real competitor. I love to win.
I like improving myself since it is part of who I am. This is a job, at the end of the day. We create a family atmosphere with the team. Those men know me personally, which is why I win their respect first, followed by my coaches.”
