SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Stefon Diggs: A Down Year or Just Hype?

Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing chuckled recently when asked if Stefon Diggs was having a “down year.”

“He’s 32 years old, has 85 catches, and over 1,000 yards post-ACL, right? I think he’s doing just fine,” Downing remarked.

Some folks might look at his 1,013 receiving yards and four touchdowns and say it’s a “down year,” but that really doesn’t align with the Patriots’ perspective. After all, they’re heading to the Super Bowl in 2026 on Sunday, largely thanks to Diggs’ addition via free agency last offseason.

This $69 million investment over three years significantly boosted second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s performance, turning the team from a 4-13 record in 2024 to a solid 14-3 in 2025.

Downing, who was part of the Vikings’ coaching staff back in 2018 during Diggs’ fourth season, was instrumental in recommending him when the Patriots were considering signing him last year.

He emphasized Diggs’ leadership qualities, despite some outside perceptions suggesting he’s not particularly team-oriented.

“What I’ve seen from him this round is a genuine commitment to helping elevate the game for those around him,” Downing noted. “His competitive spirit is unmatched. He’s tenacious in pursuing victory on the field. Plus, he’s got a personality that really brings people together. Watching him support young players and help Drake as a developing quarterback was just impressive. I think he’s learned a lot from the challenges he faced before. It’s been great seeing him in this locker room.”

For Diggs, New England represents the culmination of a journey through the NFL that included stints in Minnesota, Buffalo, and Houston. He faced his share of challenges, including tearing his ACL in 2024, but now finds himself on the cusp of his first Super Bowl appearance, marking a significant point in his career.

Reflecting on his motivations, Diggs shared an insightful conversation he had with someone close to him, questioning his reasons for playing. “I told them, ‘I’m not doing this for anyone else.’ When asked if it was for validation, I said, ‘No, I want to prove it to myself. I’ve been playing this game for a long time now,’” he said.

“In terms of legacy, I’m after respect, not notoriety. Notoriety means people know you. Respect, for me, means they acknowledge my game and my contributions to it,” he added.

Even though Diggs has sometimes been labeled as a diva receiver, this Super Bowl presents an opportunity to shift that narrative for good.

“I’ve always aimed to be a playmaker,” he declared. “My aspirations include being a Hall of Fame receiver, a Super Bowl champ, an MVP. I’ve set these goals because I truly believe in them. I can’t change what I want; all I can do is work hard for it. I don’t take days off; I can’t afford to. My commitment is to earning what I aspire for.”

He wraps up his thoughts, saying, “When it comes to my legacy, it’s about what I want to be known for. Some people might think I don’t want this to be about football, but it’s been my life since I was five. I want respect, not for recognition but for my work and purpose.”

When asked about misconceptions people might have about Diggs, Downing responded, “I think that’s common. Many who don’t know him personally judge based on snippets they observe. But everyone here who knows Stefon is grateful to have him on our team.”