Josh Allen is ‘still my man’

The on-field relationship ended with a whimper, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few hard knocks along the way.

The “bangs” orchestrated by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs over the past four years have manifested themselves in the form of both big plays and sideline bursts; the passer found the receiver for 37 touchdowns throughout their time together, the two developing a close bond on and off the field that was even featured on the cover of SI Kids’ “BFF” issue.

The relationship, however, has had its problems, with tensions boiling over on the sidelines during the Bills’ 2022 AFC Divisional Round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Diggs was spotted yelling at his quarterback during the game’s waning moments, creating a lasting image in the minds of the Buffalo faithful that, in hindsight, was perhaps the beginning of the end.

Reports of Diggs’ agitation in Buffalo frequently surfaced after the explosion; Although often dismissed as media nonsense, there was apparently some truth to the rumors, as the Bills traded the four-time Pro Bowler to the Houston Texans during the 2024 offseason. Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane , has repeatedly stated that the team’s salary cap situation was his primary motivation for the trade, but that hasn’t stopped some from speculating about the health of the receiver’s relationship with his former organization and his former quarterback.

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Diggs put out some of the proverbial fire when he spoke to the Houston media Tuesday, discussing his opinion of his former signal caller. The 30-year-old was incredibly complimentary of Allen, even asking the press to hug him on his behalf.

“It was a complex part of my career,” Diggs said. “(Minnesota) sent me to Buffalo. I don’t know if they sent me to Buffalo with the greatest kindness, with the greatest intention, but it’s all good, this ending is good. When I got to Buffalo, Josh was… Josh is still Dude.

“People don’t really understand what it’s like to be there. He really kissed me. He kind of had that Southern hospitality. He kissed me. We spent a lot of time. I probably wouldn’t be here without him. I have a lot of love for this boy, so give him a hug and a kiss for me.

Even though Diggs’ tenure in Buffalo didn’t end the way he, Allen or the organization would have liked, there appears to be no bad blood between him and his former quarterback. The two will have the opportunity to face off against each other for the first time as former teammates when the Bills take on the Texans in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season.