Stefon Diggs calls move to Texans a ‘breath of fresh air’

HOUSTON — In Stefon Diggs’ first news conference since being traded to the Texans by the Buffalo Bills, the wide receiver emphasized how happy he was to be in Houston by calling the opportunity “a breath of fresh air.” ‘fresh air “.

Diggs believes he was adopted by the Texans organization and said that’s why he’s been smiling a lot since arriving in Texas.

“They’re very welcoming,” Diggs said. “Very open arms, and I feel like it’s important for me to be a part of things like that. It’s authentic. You thrive in this space. You thrive in a space where you’re loved. You thrive in a space where you are surrounded by those who truly care about you and truly want to see you win.

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 was asked earlier in the week if he expected to be traded, he said, “It was going in that direction.”

But his production speaks for itself, and the Texans got a glimpse 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, and I’m proud of him. He was just unselfish and wanted to see other guys eat,” Texans quarterback CJ Stroud said. “That was his main goal. He wanted to be with other dogs, and he took on this role where there’s a dog everywhere. He looks to the right, he looks to the left, there’s going to be a dog. He wanted that and that’s what we bring to the table He’s been just incredible so far, and I’m very excited to work with him.

Diggs was added to help elevate Stroud as he enters year two after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. A receiving room with Nico Collins, who signed a $72.75 million extension dollars over three years in May, Tank Dell and Diggs could power an offense. who ranked 13th in score (22.7) at another level.

During OTAs and minicamp, the connection between Diggs and Stroud has been noticeable as Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has used it multiple times.

And even when Diggs didn’t receive the ball, his presence opened up space for Dell and Collins as Stroud found them for big gains.

But what stands out most about Diggs’ skills is his determination.

“This man is so competitive, and it shows on tape,” Slowik said. “He’s a lot like our quarterback in the sense that he’ll do absolutely whatever it takes to win the game, whether he doesn’t have the ball, whether he has the ball in his hands, whether he’s at everything moment between the white lines and do everything he can to win.”

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, challenged defensive backs to improve while providing wisdom to his fellow receivers when they had questions.

And every time the 30-year-old veteran sees one of his offensive teammates make a play, he’s there to congratulate them.

“I’ve been in the league for a little while now,” Diggs said, “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 very seriously.”

Diggs has been seen showing visible frustration from time to time on the sidelines during his last two stops, but he said those incidents were simply him expressing his desire to win.

“I don’t take things personal from people I don’t know personally,” Diggs said. “I try not to get into 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 real competitor. I like to win. I like to improve, it’s who I am as a person. It’s a job at the end of the day. We build a family environment with the team, that’s why I earn their respect first. , as well as that of my coaches.