HOUSTON – Stefon Diggs wore a jeans jacket, a nice watch and an even more important accessory to his ensemble Sunday afternoon: a satisfied smile.
The Texans’ Pro Bowl wide receiver acknowledged his emotions after earning a victory over the Buffalo Bills in his first game against them since a high-profile, mutual divorce this offseason and his offseason trade.
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Standing at his locker while facing a crowd of reporters and cameras, Diggs was able to let down his guard and express his true feelings and be more introspective now that the mission of a 23-20 win at NRG Stadium was complete.
Yes, Diggs’ teammates and coaches knew the personal significance for Diggs. Yes, they were keenly aware about the anonymous criticism Diggs had been the subject of in multiple reports labeling him as a diva. No, they don’t agree with that oft-repeated narrative at all. Diggs has been, by every account, an exemplary teammate who was voted a team captain in balloting from his fellow players. He has been a strong locker room fit and has built relationships throughout the roster and staff.
“Honestly, it meant a lot to me,” Diggs said. “I held it in all week energy-wise. I tried not to bring it up too much. I had an interview earlier in the week where I just tried to keep it professional, but, in the back of my mind, it meant a lot to me. I wanted to do more showing than telling.
“Playing my old team, I’m not gonna sit here and act like it was just regular. It meant a lot to me, and it was reassuring that the guys around me knew that it meant a lot to me, even if I didn’t say it. because I try to keep it poised and treat every week like it’s the same, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t special.”
DIggs, 30, led the Texans’ receivers with six receptions for 82 yards on eight targets, picking up the slack as star wide receiver Nico Collins left the game with a hamstring injury suffered on his 67-yard touchdown catch.
#Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs @stefondiggs acknowledged win and game against #Bills 'meant a lot to me' acknowledged how it was 'emotional' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/A7uysui1YO
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 6, 2024
“We knew how important this win was for him, and how important this week was for him,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We try not to make a big deal out of it through the week, but we know it. It’s emotional. All the great things that he did there, as a receiver, player – he stood out, and he made a lot of plays. He helped that team in some critical moments down the playoff run. No bigger game for him than this one. He made some really big catches on third down to keep drives moving. Play after play, Diggs stepped up and made plays. I’m happy for him that we were able to get this win for him.”
It was significant for Diggs to beat the Bills for another important reason: to boost the Texans’ record to 4-1 and to show where they stand as a playoff contender that ranks second in the AFC seeding behind the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
“I told the guys, ‘You want to be a good team?” Diggs said. “Beat a good team because that’s a good team.’ They’re real disciplined, well-coached and there are a hell of a lot of players over there.”
There were no hard feelings for Diggs. After the game, he hugged Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
The relationship had simply run its course and Diggs was dissatisfied with the direction of the offense under offensive coordinator Joe Brady who transformed the offense into a run-first outfit that reduced his targets drastically after a fast start to last season.
When Diggs found out when the Texans were playing the Bills, he took notice for his personal calendar.
“I can’t say I didn’t think about this game when I got traded,” Diggs said. “Obviously, it’s emotional. I’m an emotional guy. I play with a lot of passion and a lot of love.
Diggs provided five of the Texans’ 18 first downs. His longest reception was 18 yards.
Perhaps the Texans will face the Bills again in the playoffs.
“I wouldn’t even say it provided any closure, actually, because it’s just one in the right direction,” Diggs said. “It helps us in the win column, but we could play them again. That’s a good team obviously. I try not to read too much into it. I just take it as, we got a dub this week. I played my old team, I’m obviously excited, and I tried to play at a high level to help my team win, so I’m going to enjoy this.”
Diggs was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls with the Bills and had at least 100 catches every season. He has 31 catches for 315 yards and two touchdown catches through five games for the Texans with one touchdown run. The change of scenery and fresh start has done him a lot of good.
Diggs is on a season-long pace for 105 catches for 1,071 yards and seven touchdowns.
“I know today he was a little emotional,” Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “He just wanted to play well against his former team. It’s a lot of emotions that go through that, but he did a good job by just not letting his emotions affect his play, and I thought he played great. Just happy that he’s happy with this dub.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
