Stefon Diggs’ Comeback Season Earns NFL Recognition Amid Ongoing Legal Storm
Stefon Diggs’ 2025 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster-both on and off the field. On Thursday, the NFL announced its finalists for the annual awards, and Diggs’ name was among the most eye-catching.
The New England Patriots wide receiver has been nominated for Comeback Player of the Year, a nod to his on-field resurgence after a major injury setback. But the nomination comes at a time when Diggs is also navigating serious legal challenges that have cast a shadow over his bounce-back campaign.
Let’s start with the football.
After a torn ACL cut short his 2024 season with the Houston Texans, Diggs made the move to New England in March. At 32, returning from a major knee injury is no small feat-especially for a wide receiver whose game depends on sharp cuts, acceleration, and timing. But Diggs didn’t just return-he reasserted himself as a key weapon in the Patriots’ offense.
He played all 17 regular-season games, hauling in 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. That kind of production speaks volumes about his recovery and the trust he quickly built with the Patriots' offensive unit. In the postseason, he’s added another layer of value, contributing six receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown across New England’s playoff wins over the Broncos and Texans.
This version of Diggs looks much closer to the All-Pro we saw in his prime. And his timing couldn’t be better-the Patriots are mounting a legitimate Super Bowl run, and Diggs has been right in the thick of it.
But while his football story is trending upward, his off-field situation is far more complicated.
Diggs is currently facing felony charges of strangulation or suffocation, along with misdemeanor assault and battery, stemming from an alleged altercation with his personal chef in early December. According to the incident report, the alleged victim told police that Diggs grabbed her from behind and attempted to choke her using the crook of his elbow, before throwing her onto a bed. She initially hesitated to identify Diggs, citing concerns about his fame.
Through the Patriots, Diggs has "categorically denied" the allegations. When asked about the situation, he acknowledged the emotional toll but emphasized that it's an open case and he’s unable to comment further. His arraignment has been pushed back until after Super Bowl LX, allowing him to remain active with the team during their playoff run.
This isn’t the first time Diggs has found himself at the center of controversy this season. Back in May, he was caught on video aboard a boat handling a pink substance that sparked speculation.
While the footage went viral, no disciplinary action was taken by the team or the league. Diggs reportedly discussed the incident with head coach Mike Vrabel, but the details of that conversation remain private.
Then came more serious allegations from social media influencer and designer Chris Blake Griffith, who accused Diggs of attempting to drug him, making unwanted advances, and later conspiring to harm him. Diggs responded by suing Griffith for defamation, while Griffith filed a counterclaim, standing by his accusations. That legal battle is ongoing.
Despite the swirl of legal issues and public scrutiny, Diggs has remained a steady presence on the field-and that’s part of what makes his Comeback Player of the Year nomination so complex. The award typically recognizes a player who has overcome adversity, whether it's injury, illness, or personal hardship. In Diggs’ case, the adversity is layered-physical recovery from a major injury, a fresh start with a new team, and now, serious legal proceedings that could have easily derailed his season.
Through it all, Diggs has leaned on his inner circle-including his high-profile relationship with rapper Cardi B. The two went public in May and welcomed a child together in November.
Cardi B has been a consistent presence in the stands, supporting Diggs at both home and road games. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Diggs offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, calling Cardi B “an amazing supporter” and crediting her with helping him stay grounded during a turbulent year.
“I just appreciate the support,” Diggs said. “She wasn’t a football girl before I converted her over. I’m just thankful to have her in my corner.”
As the Patriots gear up for the biggest game of the year, Diggs’ story remains one of the most polarizing in the league. On the field, he’s delivered the kind of season that defines a comeback-reliable, productive, and clutch in the postseason. Off the field, the legal process continues to unfold, with serious allegations still unresolved.
Whether or not he takes home the Comeback Player of the Year award, Diggs has already made headlines-and not just for what he’s done between the lines.