HOUSTON — In Stefon Diggs’ first news conference since being traded to the Texans from the Buffalo Bills, the receiver emphasized how happy he is to be in Houston and called the opportunity “a breath of fresh air.”
Diggs believes he has been embraced by the Texans organization and said that is why he has been smiling a lot since landing in Texas.
“They’re very welcoming,” Diggs said. “With arms wide open, and I 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 are loved. You thrive in a space of being around those who really care. matters and they really want to see you win.
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Despite routine success with Buffalo over the years, as last season headed toward another disappointing playoff loss, tension between Diggs and the Bills became apparent and his future with the team became uncertain. When Diggs spoke earlier this week about whether he expected to be traded, he said, “I was going in that direction.”
But his production speaks for itself, and the Texans have seen flashes of what made Diggs first in receptions (445), fourth in touchdowns (37) and fourth in receiving yards (5,372) since the Minnesota Vikings traded him to the Bills in 2020.
“Diggs came in and was a leader, which I’m proud of him, he’s just been selfless and wanted to see other guys eat,” Texans quarterback CJ Stroud said. “That was the main thing. He wanted to be around other dogs, and he took on that role where there’s a dog everywhere. Look to the right, look to the left, there will be a dog. He wanted that and that’s what we bring to the table. He’s been amazing so far and I’m very excited to work with him.”
Diggs was added to help elevate Stroud as he enters Year 2 after capturing the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. A wide receiver room featuring Nico Collins, who signed a three-year, $72.75 million extension in May, Tank Dell and Diggs They could fuel an offensive. which ranked 13th in scoring (22.7) at another level.
During OTAs and minicamp, the connection between Diggs and Stroud has been notable as Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has used him at multiple receiver positions.
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And even when Diggs hasn’t gotten the ball, his presence has opened up space for Dell and Collins, as Stroud has found them for big gains.
But what stands out most about Diggs’ ability is his determination.
“The man is very competitive and it shows on tape,” Slowik said. “He’s a lot like our quarterback in the sense that he’s going to do absolutely whatever it takes to win the game, whether he doesn’t have the ball or he has it in his hands, he’s always between the white lines and doing everything.” possible to win.”
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has challenged defensive backs to improve themselves while providing wisdom to his fellow receivers when they have questions.
And every time the 30-year-old veteran sees one of his offensive teammates making a play, he’s there to congratulate them.
Houston Texans receiver Stefon Diggs speaks to the media for the first time in mandatory minicamp. Tim Warner//Keynote USA/Getty Images
“I’ve been in the league for a while,” Diggs said, “so first earning the respect of your teammates and the respect of your coaches, being where you’re supposed to be and taking your time each.” “Every day I take it very seriously.”
Diggs has been seen occasionally showing visible frustration on the sidelines in his last two stops, but said those incidents were just him expressing his desire to win.
“I don’t take personal things from people I don’t know personally,” Diggs said. “I try not to immerse myself in how I feel about certain things or people’s opinions. Who I am as a player, they know who I am and I’m a true competitor. I love to win. I love to improve, that’s what I do.” I am as a person. At the end of the day, this is a job. We build a family atmosphere with the team. “Those guys would know me personally, so I earn their respect first, along with my coaches.”
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