FOXBORO — Stefon Diggs, the New England Patriots wide receiver, has recently found himself at the center of a shifting narrative this season. Despite the praise he has received for his leadership and team spirit since joining the Patriots in March, Diggs insists that he has not fundamentally changed as a player or a teammate.
“I don’t think people change, bro,” Diggs stated in an interview with the Herald. “I’ve been the same way. It’s more about how it’s being received.” This perspective contrasts with the reputation he had during his previous tenures with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, where both ended with trades.
Diggs recorded impressive statistics this regular season, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Even during games where he was minimally targeted, he maintained a professional demeanor, avoiding public displays of frustration. He consistently praised his teammates and the overall capabilities of the Patriots’ offense, refraining from demanding more involvement.
Diggs addressed the change in perception, saying, “It’s all about what people hear, what people see on the internet. People don’t have their own opinions from their own experiences if they’ve never met somebody.” He emphasized that he has not transformed overnight into a different person. “I’ve been in the league, got multiple contracts. I haven’t changed. I didn’t wait to turn 32 to change my whole life. I’ve been the same.”
Reflecting on his past, Diggs noted that many opinions about him stem from misunderstanding. “The truth is about what you hear and what you see and what you read… Nobody ever said I was a bad teammate. The stuff that people said about me, they didn’t even know me to say it.” He believes the shift in how he is perceived speaks more to others than to his character.
The team has publicly backed Diggs following recent allegations involving a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault from an alleged incident last month. The Patriots stated that Diggs “categorically denies the allegations.” His arraignment is set for January 23, 2024, just days before the AFC Championship Game.
Head coach Mike Vrabel praised Diggs’ consistency, noting his engagement in team meetings and his energetic presence. “He’s been fantastic,” Vrabel said after the Patriots’ season finale. Quarterback Drake Maye added, “Some games he’s not getting the ball as much as any receiver would want to, and he’s still trying to block hard and keeps the energy up.”
As the Patriots prepare for the playoffs, the organization must evaluate Diggs’ contract situation, particularly in light of the upcoming arraignment. He signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract in March 2023, with a base salary of $20.6 million due in 2026, of which $1.7 million is fully guaranteed. Additionally, another $6 million of his 2026 salary will become guaranteed on March 13.
As the narrative surrounding Stefon Diggs continues to evolve, his performance and commitment to the team remain undeniable. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both his career and the Patriots’ playoff aspirations.
