It’s been more than six years since Stefon Diggs last wore a Vikings jersey, but his journey since that January 2020 Divisional Round loss to the 49ers has been anything but quiet. That day, he hauled in just two catches-but one was a 41-yard touchdown that reminded everyone of his big-play ability. Fast forward to today, and Diggs is preparing to take the field in Super Bowl 60, this time as a member of the New England Patriots.
Diggs’ path to the big game has been winding, marked by Pro Bowl nods, All-Pro honors, a major injury, and a near-miss with another AFC contender. After four standout seasons in Buffalo, where he firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers, Diggs was traded to Houston ahead of the 2024 season. But his time with the Texans was cut short-an ACL tear limited him to just eight games.
Despite the setback, Diggs bounced back in a big way. He signed a three-year, $63.5 million deal with New England and delivered a strong campaign: 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns. Now, he’s set to play on the sport’s biggest stage once again, this time against the Seattle Seahawks.
But according to Diggs, things almost played out very differently.
Speaking at Super Bowl Opening Night, the 32-year-old wideout revealed he came close to signing with the Denver Broncos before ultimately landing in New England. The connection? A familiar face from his time in Buffalo.
“I just got a good relationship with somebody on [the Broncos’] staff,” Diggs said. “He was in Buffalo, so he actually taught me the offense in Buffalo. He spent a lot of time with me, so it was close.”
While he didn’t name names, the link to Denver’s coaching staff likely played a significant role in the decision-making process. Diggs made it clear that his free agency was full of what-ifs-and that his destination could’ve easily been different if not for a few key decisions and a bit of bad luck.
“I could have still been in Houston if I never got hurt,” he said. “I could have still been in Houston if I didn't change the language in our contract from a three-year to a one-year. A lot of things could be different, so I don't think nothing happens by mistake.”
It’s a candid reflection from a veteran who’s seen the highs and lows of the league. Injuries, contract language, coaching connections-these are the small margins that shape careers in the NFL.
Diggs also had high praise for the Broncos organization, calling Bo Nix a “great quarterback” and expressing respect for Sean Payton and the positive momentum building in Denver. But when it came down to it, the Patriots were the right fit.
“Came down to the Pats, though,” he said simply.
Now, that decision has paid off. Diggs is back on the Super Bowl stage, this time in red, white, and blue. And while the road here was anything but straightforward, he's exactly where he needs to be-ready to chase a ring with a team that believed in him when it mattered most.