In Stefon Diggs’ first news conference after being traded to the Texans from the Buffalo Bills, the receiver stressed his joy at being in Houston, calling the chance “a breath of fresh air.”
Diggs believes he has been welcomed into the Texans organization, which is why he has been smiling a lot since arriving in Texas.
“They’re very welcoming,” Diggs stated. “Very welcoming, and I just feel like it’s vital for me to be a part of stuff like that. It’s authentic. You flourish in that setting. You thrive in an environment in which you are loved. Thrive in a setting where you are surrounded by people who genuinely care about your success.
Despite years of routine success in Buffalo, as last season approached another dismal playoff defeat, the friction between Diggs and the Bills became clear, and his future with the franchise seemed doubtful. When asked earlier this week if he anticipated to be traded, Diggs responded, “It was going in that direction.”
However, his production speaks for itself, and the Texans have seen glimpses of what propelled Diggs to first in receptions (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; he’s just been unselfish and wanted to see other guys eat,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud stated. “That was his main priority. He wanted to be near other dogs, therefore he took on that role where there are dogs everywhere. He glances right, then left; there will be a dog. He requested that, and that is what we offer to the table. He’s been nothing short of great thus far, and I’m very pleased to work with him.”
Diggs was added to assist Stroud improve as he enters Year 2 after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. A receiver room that includes Nico Collins, who signed a three-year, $72.75 million agreement in May, Tank Dell, and Diggs could catapult an offense that ranks 13th in scoring (22.7) to new heights.
During OTAs and minicamp, the connection between Diggs and Stroud was evident as Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik deployed him in a variety of receiver positions.
Even when Diggs does not get the ball, his presence creates space for Dell and Collins, whom Stroud finds for significant gains.
But Diggs’ determination is just as impressive as his abilities.
“The man is just so competitive, and it shows on tape,” Slowik stated. “He is a lot like our quarterback in that he will do absolutely 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 challenged defensive backs to improve while also providing guidance to his fellow receivers when they have problems.
And if the 30-year-old veteran watches one of his offensive colleagues make a play, he congratulates them right away.
“I’ve been around the league for a little while now,” Diggs explained, “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 and every day, I take it pretty serious.”
Diggs has been spotted demonstrating evident frustration on the sidelines in his last two trips, but he claims those situations were simply him expressing his desire to win.
“I don’t take things personal from people I don’t know, personally,” Diggs explained. “I try not to get into how I feel about things or other people’s thoughts. They know who I am as a player and that I am a great competitor. I enjoy winning. I enjoy improving myself; it is part of who I am. Ultimately, this is a job. We create a family environment for the team. Those guys know me personally, which is why I first win their respect, as well as that of my coaches.”