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Wide receiver Diggs says joining Houston Texans 'breath of fresh air'

Sports Scene

Wide receiver Stafon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills looks on in the American Football Conference Divisional Round Game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, January 22, 2023. /CFP
Wide receiver Stafon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills looks on in the American Football Conference Divisional Round Game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, January 22, 2023. /CFP

Wide receiver Stafon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills looks on in the American Football Conference Divisional Round Game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, January 22, 2023. /CFP

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs attended his first press conference on Saturday since being traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans, and told reporters that he's happy to have "a breath of fresh air."

The Texans sent a 2025 National Football League (NFL) Draft second-round pick (via the Minnesota Vikings) to the Bills to acquire Diggs, for a 2024 No. 189 pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick in April.

"They're very welcoming," Diggs said of the Texans. "Very open arms, and I just feel like it's important for me to be a part of things like that. It's genuine. You thrive in that space. You thrive in a space where you're loved. Thrive in a space of being around those who truly care and truly want to see you win."

Having played four seasons with the Bills, Diggs posted 5,372 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns on 445 catches in 66 games. He was selected to four straight Pro Bowls and was named a First-team All-Pro and Second-team All-Pro one time apiece. The Bills made the playoffs in each of Diggs' four seasons, all as the champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) East Division.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs (#14) of the Buffalo Bills catches the ball to score a touchdown in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, September 19, 2022. /CFP
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs (#14) of the Buffalo Bills catches the ball to score a touchdown in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, September 19, 2022. /CFP

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs (#14) of the Buffalo Bills catches the ball to score a touchdown in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, September 19, 2022. /CFP

However, the Bills didn't reach the Super Bowl in any of the past four seasons, though they were often considered serious title contenders. Meanwhile, Diggs' conflict with the team continued to grow. One day before he was traded, he responded "You sure?" to a social media remark declaring that he wasn't essential to quarterback Josh Allen's success.

When asked if he had expected to be traded by the Bills, Diggs said, "It was going in that direction."

The Texans won 10 of their 17 regular season games and advanced to the AFC Divisional Round behind rookie quarterback C. J. Stroud. He completed 319 of his 499 passes for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions during the regular season and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

"Diggs has come in and been a leader, which I'm proud of him for, just really has been unselfish and wanted to see other guys eat," Stroud said. "That was his main thing. He wanted to be around other 'dogs,' and he stepped into that role where there is a 'dog' everywhere. He looks right, he looks left, there is going to be a 'dog.' He wanted that, and that's what we bring to the table. He's been nothing but amazing so far, and I am very excited to work with him."

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