Move to Texans, according to Stefon Diggs, is “a breath of fresh air.”
Houston During his first press conference following his trade from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans, wide receiver Stefon Diggs highlighted how thrilled he is to be in Houston, referring to the chance as “a breath of fresh air.”
Diggs said he has been grinning a lot since arriving in Texas because he feels like the Texans organization has welcomed him.
“They’re very welcoming,” Diggs said. “Very open arms, and I just feel like it’s important for me to be a part of things like that. It’s genuine. You thrive in that space. You thrive in a space where you’re loved. Thrive in a space of being around those who truly care and truly want to see you win.”
Even though Diggs has consistently performed well for Buffalo over the years, tensions between the two teams emerged as the team prepared for another heartbreaking playoff defeat last season, raising questions about Diggs’ future there. When asked if he had anticipated being traded earlier in the week, Diggs replied, “It was going in that direction.”
However, his performance speaks for itself, and since the Minnesota Vikings traded him to the Bills in 2020, the Texans have witnessed glimmers of the player that made him first in receptions (445), fourth in touchdowns (37) and fourth in receiving yards (5,372).
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said, “Diggs has come in and been a leader, which I’m proud of him for. He just really has been unselfish and wanted to see other guys eat.” That was his primary concern. He assumed the part where dogs are everywhere since he wanted to be with other dogs. He glances left and right, and he anticipates seeing a dog. it is what we bring to the table, and it is what he desired. Thus far, he has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I can’t wait to collaborate with him.”
Diggs was brought in to support Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 and is now entering his second season.A receiver room with Nico Collins, who signed a three-year, $72.75 million extension in May, Tank Dell and Diggs could propel an offense that ranked 13th in scoring (22.7) to another level.
The relationship between Diggs and Stroud has been evident during OTAs and minicamp, as Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has used him in a variety of receiving positions.
Diggs has also created space for Dell and Collins when he hasn’t received the ball, allowing Stroud to find them for significant gains.
Diggs’s resolve, though, is just as noteworthy as his talent.
“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 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.”
A four-time Pro Bowler, Diggs has pushed defensive backs to improve while also offering advice to fellow receivers with issues.
Additionally, the 30-year-old veteran is quick to congratulate his attacking teammates when he sees them make a play.
“I’ve been around the league for a little while now,” Diggs stated, “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.”
In his last two trips, Diggs has been periodically spotted displaying obvious frustration on the sidelines. However, he claimed those instances were simply him expressing his desire to succeed.
“I don’t take things personal from people I don’t know, personally,” Diggs stated. “I try not to get too attached to my feelings or other people’s viewpoints. They are aware of my identity as a player and that I am a serious rival. I enjoy winning. It’s who I am as a person that I adore improving. At the end of the day, this is a job. We create a familial atmosphere inside the team. Since those guys are familiar with me personally, I first gain their respect, followed by that of my coaches.”
