Stefon Diggs is experiencing a wave of Minnesota nostalgia as he returns to the state with his new team, the New England Patriots, during joint practices against the Vikings. Diggs, who was drafted by Minnesota in 2015 and played there for five seasons, shared his thoughts on the city and fans, highlighting the significance of his past experiences and growth. His reflections come amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny about his departure from the Vikings and his reputation for bringing “drama.”
Career Highlights and Transition from Minnesota to Buffalo
During his tenure with the Vikings, Diggs established himself as a top receiver, earning two 1,000-yard seasons and scoring 32 touchdowns. His most famous moment came during the 2019-20 playoffs, when he caught the iconic “Minneapolis Miracle” walk-off touchdown against the Saints. However, despite his achievements, his time in Minnesota was not without tension. Reports surfaced that Diggs was unhappy with his role under head coach Mike Zimmer’s run-focused strategy, leading to his trade to the Buffalo Bills.
The trade, which sent Diggs to Buffalo in exchange for a draft pick used on Justin Jefferson, had positive outcomes for both teams. Diggs thrived with the Bills, earning First Team All-Pro honors alongside Josh Allen, while Jefferson quickly became one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s standout receivers, suggesting a successful exchange for Minnesota.
Growth, Relationships, and Life Lessons From Minnesota Days
When asked if he would change anything from his Minnesota tenure, Diggs expressed acceptance of his journey and the influence it had on his development. He emphasized the importance of the relationships he built and the lessons they taught him during his formative years. Diggs acknowledged that growing up without a father figure shaped his path and his learning process.
A little nostalgic. Seeing the fans and seeing the little kids, it was a little Minnesota Nice-like,
—Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Obviously everything happens for a reason. I built a lot of key relationships that made me who I am today. If I did anything different, I wouldn’t be the player or the man I am right now. Growing pains. Being a young player, being a young adult. Figuring it out for yourself. I don’t really have a dad, a father figure, so I kind of figured it out as I went. I don’t look back and say I wish I did something differently. I built some real good relationships. There’s some great people in Minnesota. That’s why I kind of still come back here with a smile.
—Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Evolving Father Figures and Personal Development
Diggs discussed the absence of a traditional father figure in his life but noted that he has found guidance from various individuals over time. He compared learning from others in life to how he studies other receivers to improve his own game.
I feel like I’ve had ’em throughout my life, that I’ve taken tidbits here and there as far as how they father and how they’ve led their life, but everybody’s different,
—Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
I try to just take bits and pieces, just like as a receiver I take bits and pieces from other receivers. Try to add to my game. I’ve always said I’m not Julio Jones, I can’t be Julio Jones, but I can learn breaking and catching and doing things aggressively. But just like life, it’s a learning curve.
—Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Addressing the Drama Label and Team Dynamics
Throughout his career, Diggs has been tagged with a reputation for bringing drama, an assessment he confronts head-on. He maintains that his professionalism and work ethic have never been in question by teammates or coaches. Instead, he embraces the demand for the ball as part of the receiver’s role, rejecting criticisms framed as character issues.
Take it with a grain of salt. The many teams that I have been on, the players on your team and the coaches will tell you that I’m a professional, I work hard. They’ve never doubted that. They’ve never doubted was I good player or was I a professional. Did I work hard? Did I approach the game the right way? They’ve never said that.
—Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
If they call me diva because I wanted the ball, I’m literally will to take that. As a receiver, you should want the ball. As far as character-wise, I’ve been a great teammate. I’ve treated everybody like family. I’ve treated everybody like brothers. I take it with a grain of salt. And I’ve got big shoulders. I’m willing to take it.
—Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Looking Ahead: Diggs’ Role for the Upcoming Preseason Game
While Diggs will not take the field during the upcoming Saturday preseason game, he is expected to support the Patriots from the sidelines during their matchup against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. His presence hints at continued engagement with the team as the new season approaches, while maintaining connections to his Minnesota roots.