Stefon Diggs is one of the most prominent names in American football, renowned for his speed, precise receptions, and game-changing ability. As a wide receiver, he has built an impressive career in the National Football League (NFL), playing for multiple teams and amassing records and awards. Born on November 29, 1993, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Diggs has risen from his high school roots to the professional elite, continuing to shine in 2025. This article explores his journey, from his early days to the latest updates on his on-field performance.
Childhood and Early Sports Career
Stefon Marsean Diggs grew up in a sports-loving family in Gaithersburg, Maryland, attending Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney. There, he excelled in football and track. In his junior year of 2010, Diggs recorded 810 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, earning runner-up for Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year. As a senior, he added 770 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, plus 277 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Defensively, he contributed 31.5 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack, earning first-team All-Metro honors from The Washington Post.
Beyond football, Diggs competed as a sprinter in track. In 2011, he finished seventh in the 100-meter dash at the Bill Carver T&F Classic with a time of 12.00 seconds and helped his 4×200-meter relay team take third place. As a senior, he achieved a personal best of 22.30 seconds in the 200 meters and contributed to a second-place finish in the 4×100-meter relay. His speed was evident, clocking 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Rated a five-star recruit, Diggs was considered the second-best wide receiver nationally by sites like Rivals.com and Scout.com. He chose the University of Maryland in 2012, opting to stay close to home despite offers from schools like Florida, USC, and Ohio State. This decision marked the start of his collegiate journey, where he quickly became a star.
College Career at Maryland
At the University of Maryland, Diggs played for the Terrapins from 2012 to 2014 under coach Randy Edsall. His 2012 freshman season was explosive. As a true freshman, he played in 11 of 12 games, starring as a receiver and on special teams. He led the team with 54 receptions for 848 yards and 6 touchdowns, plus 713 kick return yards (averaging 28.5 yards, including 2 touchdowns). His 1,896 all-purpose yards ranked second in school history. He earned multiple ACC weekly awards, including for games against West Virginia and Virginia.
In 2013, a fractured fibula limited him to 7 games. Still, he recorded 34 receptions for 587 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus 281 kick return yards. He shone with 179 yards against Old Dominion.
In his 2014 junior year, Diggs earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. With 62 receptions for 792 yards and 5 touchdowns, he had three 100-yard games. Despite missing games due to suspension and a kidney injury, he returned for the bowl game against Stanford, posting 138 yards. He then declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year.
His college stats totaled 150 receptions for 2,227 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus contributions in rushing and returns, preparing him for the pros.
NFL Entry with the Vikings
Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Diggs signed a four-year, $2.5 million contract. At 6 feet tall and 191 pounds, he impressed at the Combine with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash.
In his 2015 rookie season, Diggs started inactive but became a starter midseason. In 13 games (9 starts), he had 52 receptions for 720 yards and 4 touchdowns, ranking second among rookie receivers behind Amari Cooper. Notable games included 100-yard performances against Kansas City and Detroit, etching his name in Vikings history.
In 2016, with 84 receptions for 903 yards and 3 touchdowns in 13 games, he formed a lethal duo with Adam Thielen. A 182-yard game against Green Bay earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
In 2017, despite injuries, he posted 64 receptions for 849 yards and 8 touchdowns. In the playoffs, he made the iconic “Minneapolis Miracle” with a 61-yard touchdown. In 2018, he signed a $72 million extension and hit 1,021 yards, his first 1,000-yard season. In 2019, he recorded 1,130 yards and 6 touchdowns, including a 3-touchdown game against Philadelphia.
With the Vikings, Diggs amassed over 4,600 yards and 30 touchdowns in five seasons, establishing himself as a reliable receiver.
Explosive Success with the Buffalo Bills
Traded to the Buffalo Bills in March 2020 for draft picks, Diggs reached his peak. In 2020, he led the NFL with 127 receptions and 1,535 yards, breaking Bills records. His connection with quarterback Josh Allen earned him his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
In 2021, he had 103 receptions for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2022, he signed a $96 million extension and posted a career-high 1,429 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2023, he added 1,183 yards and 8 touchdowns, earning four straight Pro Bowls.
With the Bills, Diggs was a four-time Pro Bowler, leading the NFL in receptions and yards in one season and helping the team reach consistent playoffs. His chemistry with Allen was remarkable, though frustrations emerged in 2022 after a playoff loss.
Stint with the Houston Texans
In April 2024, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans for a 2025 second-round pick. His contract was restructured to a one-year, $22.52 million deal. In 8 games, he had 47 receptions for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. He reached 10,000 career receiving yards in the season opener. Highlights included two touchdowns in his debut against Indianapolis.
Unfortunately, in October 2024, a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Colts ended his season early. Despite the short stint, he helped the Texans to a strong 4-1 start when healthy.
New Chapter with the New England Patriots in 2025
In March 2025, Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the New England Patriots, his fourth team. At 31, he recovered from his knee injury and started the season modestly: 10 receptions for 89 yards in the first two games.
The turning point came in Week 5 on October 5, 2025, against his former team, the Bills. In a stunning 23-20 upset, Diggs shone with 10 receptions for 146 yards, dominating Buffalo’s defense. It was his best performance as a Patriot, with catches that moved the chains and a 30-yard reception that set up a key play at the Bills’ 5-yard line. The win marked Buffalo’s first loss of the season, with Diggs receiving mixed reactions from their fans.
With quarterback Drake Maye, Diggs showed potential as an elite WR2, notably with a 16-yard catch in the second half. Updates suggest he’s adapting well, with expectations for more contributions in divisional games. His arrival brought veteran leadership to a rebuilding Patriots team, and the Bills game may be a turning point.
Achievements and Notable Stats
Diggs has four Pro Bowl selections (2020–2023) and a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2020. He led the NFL in receptions and yards in 2020, breaking Bills records. His career stats exceed 10,000 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns. In the playoffs, he’s had memorable moments like the “Minneapolis Miracle.”
In 2025, despite his prior injury, he remains productive, focusing on recovery and leadership. His versatility includes returns and rushing, adding value to teams.
Personal Life and Legacy
Diggs has two younger brothers: Trevon, an NFL player, and Darez, a college athlete. He’s a father to two daughters and, in October 2024, was romantically linked to rapper Cardi B, confirmed in June 2025. Off the field, he’s active on social media and in philanthropy.
His legacy is one of resilience: from elite recruit to NFL star, overcoming trades and injuries. In 2025, with the Patriots, Diggs aims for more titles and records, inspiring young athletes. His story continues to evolve, promising more thrilling chapters in American football.
