When Stefon Diggs went down with a torn ACL just eight games into the 2024 season with the Houston Texans, it looked like a promising connection between a veteran star and a rising quarterback would be cut short before it ever truly began. Fast forward to now, and Diggs is suiting up for the New England Patriots, preparing to face that same young quarterback - C.J. Stroud - in a high-stakes divisional-round playoff clash this Sunday.
But despite the brief time they shared a locker room, the bond between Diggs and Stroud clearly ran deeper than most midseason acquisitions.
"Stef is one of the best teammates I’ve had in my career, in my life," Stroud told reporters this week. "He’s been amazing to my life, not just on the field but off as well."
That’s high praise from a young quarterback who’s already shown maturity beyond his years. Stroud didn’t just highlight Diggs’ skills - he emphasized his presence. According to Stroud, Diggs brought more than just route-running and hands to Houston; he brought leadership, energy, and connection.
"He wants to be around the guys, he wants to do stuff for the guys, he wants to be one of the captains in the room," Stroud added.
It’s a different narrative than the one that followed Diggs during his final stretch with the Buffalo Bills, where questions about his relationship with Josh Allen and his role in the offense often overshadowed his production. But in Houston, even in a short stint cut short by injury, Diggs left a lasting impression - one Stroud clearly won’t forget.
"He’s brought that swag there, and he’s got the guys rolling around him," Stroud said. "Will always be a brother of mine, will always be a friend.
I’m just excited to see his career go where it’s gone. For him to get paid like he did is dope to see.
I think he’s got a lot of great ball ahead of him."
Now, Diggs is part of a Patriots team that’s found its rhythm and identity - finishing 15-3 through the regular season and wild-card round. He’s not just contributing; he’s thriving. And the traits that made him a favorite of Stroud’s are now fueling his late-career resurgence in New England.
DeMeco Ryans, who coached Diggs during his brief time in Houston, isn’t surprised by the impact he’s having in Foxborough.
"Stef has done a great job there in New England, making some plays for them," Ryans said. "Being very quarterback-friendly, which Stef has done his entire career."
That “quarterback-friendly” tag isn’t just coach-speak. It speaks to Diggs’ ability to read coverages, adjust on the fly, and win in the margins - especially on option and choice routes. He’s always been a technician in the route tree, but what’s standing out now is how well he’s meshing with the Patriots’ offensive structure and whoever’s under center.
"He’s very explosive after he catches the football," Ryans added. "So, another guy we got to make sure we have eyes on, and make sure we’re doing a great job of tackling and covering him really well."
Sunday’s matchup between the Patriots and Texans already has plenty of intrigue - New England’s postseason pedigree, Houston’s youth movement, and two defenses that can take over a game. But the subplot between Diggs and Stroud adds a layer of personal history that’s hard to ignore.
They were teammates for only a moment, but the respect is mutual and enduring. Now, they’ll be on opposite sidelines, each trying to punch a ticket to the AFC Championship. According to the oddsmakers, New England enters the weekend as a three-point favorite - but with Diggs and Stroud both in the mix, expect fireworks either way.