Stefon Diggs: Career Stats, Teams, and Playing Style Explained

Stefon Diggs is a 31-year-old wide receiver for the New England Patriots with over 11,000 career receiving yards. He’s played for four NFL teams since 2015, earned four Pro Bowl selections, and caught one of the most memorable playoff touchdowns in NFL history.

Who Is Stefon Diggs?

Stefon Diggs stands out as one of the NFL’s most consistent receivers over the past decade. Born November 29, 1993, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, he defied expectations after being drafted in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. Most late-round picks struggle to earn playing time. Diggs became a starter within weeks of his rookie season.

At 6 feet tall and 191 pounds, he lacks the physical dominance of larger receivers. His success comes from sharp route running, reliable hands, and the ability to create separation against any defender. Over 10 seasons, he’s accumulated 918 receptions for 11,170 yards and 76 touchdowns.

His brother Trevon Diggs plays cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys. The two brothers faced different paths to the NFL, but both became Pro Bowl performers. Stefon’s father died when he was 14, which influenced his decision to attend college close to home at the University of Maryland.

College Career at Maryland

Diggs chose Maryland over offers from Florida, USC, Ohio State, and Auburn. Recruiting services rated him as a five-star prospect and the second-best wide receiver in his class. He delivered immediately as a freshman in 2012.

In his first college season, he caught 54 passes for 848 yards and six touchdowns. He also returned kicks and punts, racking up 1,896 all-purpose yards. That total ranked second in Maryland history behind only Torrey Smith. He finished runner-up for ACC Freshman of the Year despite missing one game with an ankle injury.

Injuries limited his sophomore season to seven games. A broken fibula ended his year early. As a junior in 2014, he played 10 games and recorded 62 catches for 792 yards and five touchdowns. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honours. A lacerated kidney forced him to miss the final two regular-season games, though he returned for the bowl game.

After three seasons, Diggs declared for the 2015 NFL Draft. His injury history concerned scouts, but his talent was undeniable.

Minnesota Vikings Era (2015-2019)

The Vikings selected Diggs with the 146th overall pick in the fifth round. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.5 million. The team made him inactive for the first three games while he learned the offence.

He got his chance in Week 4 against Denver. Despite the Vikings losing, Diggs caught six passes for 87 yards. His performance earned him the starting role. Over the next four games, he posted four straight 80-yard performances, becoming the first Vikings rookie since Randy Moss to record back-to-back 100-yard games.

Diggs finished his rookie season with 52 catches for 720 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team. By 2016, he formed a dangerous duo with Adam Thielen. Both receivers surpassed 900 yards that season.

In 2017, Diggs caught 64 passes for 849 yards and eight touchdowns. A groin injury cost him two games. The Vikings finished 13-3 and earned a first-round playoff bye.

The Minneapolis Miracle

The 2018 divisional playoff game against New Orleans changed Diggs’ career. With the Vikings trailing 24-23 and 10 seconds remaining, quarterback Case Keenum threw deep down the sideline. Diggs caught the pass, broke a tackle from Marcus Williams, and ran untouched into the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown.

The play became known as the Minneapolis Miracle. It marked the first playoff game ever won on a touchdown as time expired. The Vikings lost the NFC Championship the following week, but Diggs had created a signature moment.

In July 2018, Diggs signed a five-year, $72 million extension. He posted his first 1,000-yard season that year with 102 catches for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns. He and Thielen became the first Vikings receiving pair since Randy Moss and Cris Carter to both surpass 1,000 yards in the same season.

By 2019, tensions emerged between Diggs and the Vikings organisation. He wanted more targets in an increasingly run-heavy offence. Despite the friction, he caught 63 passes for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. After the season, Minnesota traded him to Buffalo.

Buffalo Bills Success (2020-2023)

The Bills acquired Diggs in March 2020 for multiple draft picks, including a first-round selection. The trade reunited him with quarterback Josh Allen, who was entering his third season.

The partnership clicked immediately. Diggs caught eight passes for 86 yards in Week 1 against the Jets. By Week 2, he had 153 yards and his first Bills touchdown. He surpassed 1,000 yards by Week 13.

Diggs led the NFL with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards in 2020. He broke Eric Moulds’ franchise record for receiving yards in a single season. His 127 catches also broke Moulds’ team record. He became the fastest receiver in NFL history to reach 100 catches with a new team.

The Associated Press named him First-Team All-Pro. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection. The Bills reached the AFC Championship but lost to Kansas City. Diggs stayed on the field after the loss to watch the Chiefs celebrate, using the moment as motivation.

Over four seasons in Buffalo, Diggs never caught fewer than 103 passes or recorded less than 1,183 yards. He earned Pro Bowl honours in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Bills reached the divisional round or further in each of his seasons with the team.

His production came with occasional frustration. Sideline outbursts during games drew media attention, particularly during the 2022 playoff loss to Cincinnati. Still, he remained the Bills’ most productive receiver throughout his tenure.

In April 2024, Buffalo traded Diggs to Houston after four seasons. His contract situation and the team’s desire to spread targets contributed to the decision.

Houston Texans and ACL Injury (2024)

The Texans acquired Diggs in exchange for draft picks. They restructured his contract into a one-year, $22.52 million deal. The move paired him with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Diggs started strong in Houston. He caught two touchdowns in Week 1 against Indianapolis. He surpassed 10,000 career receiving yards during that game. In Week 4 against Jacksonville, he scored his first career rushing touchdown.

His season ended in Week 8 against Indianapolis. He suffered a non-contact knee injury. Tests revealed a torn ACL, ending his year after just eight games. He finished with 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns.

The injury raised questions about his future at age 31. ACL tears typically require 9-12 months of recovery. His ability to return to his previous level of play remained uncertain.

New England Patriots (2025-Present)

Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with New England in March 2025. The Patriots needed a proven receiver to help develop second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Reports indicated Denver also pursued him in free agency, but he chose New England.

Through 12 games in 2025, Diggs has 61 receptions for 679 yards and three touchdowns on 75 targets. His yardage represents a career-low pace, partly due to recovering from the ACL injury and adjusting to a new offence.

His most notable performance came in Week 5 against Buffalo. Playing against his former team on Sunday Night Football, he caught 10 passes for 146 yards in a 23-20 Patriots upset. The performance showed he still possessed the ability to dominate games when healthy.

By Week 8, he scored his first Patriots touchdown against Cleveland. His consistent presence has provided stability for Maye’s development, even if the raw numbers don’t match his Buffalo peaks.

Playing Style and Strengths

Diggs succeeds through technical precision rather than physical dominance. His route running ranks among the best in the NFL. He uses subtle head fakes, hip movements, and tempo changes to create separation. Defenders struggle to predict his breaks because he disguises his intentions until the last moment.

His hands are reliable in traffic. He tracks the ball well on deep throws and adjusts his body to difficult angles. Cornerbacks who press him at the line often find themselves trailing as he accelerates into his route.

Speed helps him get behind defences on vertical routes. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Combine. While not elite speed, it’s enough to threaten safeties on post and go routes.

He performs well in clutch situations. The Minneapolis Miracle represents his most famous moment, but he’s recorded numerous game-winning or game-sealing catches throughout his career. His eight straight seasons finishing in the top 25 for fantasy points per game demonstrate consistent production.

Leadership emerged as a strength in Buffalo. He mentored younger receivers and pushed teammates to maintain high standards. His occasional emotional outbursts reflected his competitive drive rather than poor character.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Diggs has compiled impressive numbers across his 10 NFL seasons:

  • 918 receptions (ranks in top 100 all-time)
  • 11,170 receiving yards
  • 76 receiving touchdowns
  • 4 Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • 1 First-Team All-Pro (2020)
  • 1 Second-Team All-Pro (2022)
  • Led the NFL in receptions (2020)
  • Led the NFL in receiving yards (2020)

He recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2018 to 2023. If he reaches 100 receptions in 2025, he’ll become only the third player with six career 100-catch seasons, joining Antonio Brown and Brandon Marshall.

His playoff resume includes 23 catches for 388 yards and four touchdowns in eight postseason games. The Minneapolis Miracle remains his defining playoff moment.

Personal Life and Family

Beyond football, Diggs founded a luxury fashion brand called Liem Homme in 2022. The name stands for “live in every moment.” He designs clothing that reflects his personal style and artistic vision.

His younger brother Trevon plays cornerback for Dallas. Another brother, Mar’Sean, played college football at Alabama-Birmingham. The three brothers all pursued football careers after losing their father in 2008.

Diggs has two daughters. His second daughter was born in 2025 with model Aileen Lopera. In June 2025, rapper Cardi B confirmed their relationship on Instagram. She announced her pregnancy with their first child together in September 2025, giving birth to a son in November.

He attended Good Counsel High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he excelled in football and track. His decision to stay close to home for college reflected his family responsibilities after his father’s death.

At 31, Diggs continues competing at a high level despite the ACL injury. His technical skills and football intelligence should help him remain productive into his early 30s, even as his athleticism gradually declines.