TRANSCRIPT: Stefon Diggs First Patriots Press Conference 3/28
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Here’s what new Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs had to say during his first press conference as a member of the New England Patriots on Friday, March 28, 2025.
On walking us through the process of how this all came together, and how things all shook out from his perspective:
“We already were in conversation prior to, but I was in Miami, obviously doing rehab, getting right. We had gotten a couple of phone calls. I had talked to my agent briefly to try to set up a visit. When I came out here, it was a great day, reconnecting with Todd [Downing], receiver coach, and more personal, Coach Vrabes. I talked to him a little bit during the Pro Bowl. We spent a little bit of time, but that’s around the time where you kind of get to know guys. It’s not as serious as the football season. You still keep it light and fun. So had a little bit of a relationship there, but the visit went extremely well. But afterwards, we went to our respectable quarters and tried to start kind of figuring out. So that’s how it all unfolded.”
On where he is physically and how excited he is to work with a player like Drake Maye:
“I’m ahead of schedule. I’m trying to stay ahead of schedule. I’ve been pretty serious about the grind process as far as we’re rehabbing everything. So shout out to Dr. Reeve. I’m ahead of schedule right now. I’m trying to stay there at this point, trying to work a little smarter. I’m a hard worker, so I try to put a lot on my plate at one time, but I’m trying to reel it back a little bit, just be a little bit more smarter. And what was your second question?”
Drake [Maye]…
“I’m excited. I really look forward to it. It’s crazy because when you ask around, he has a lot of similarities with people say through the grapevine, he acts a lot like Josh [Allen]. That was my guy, so I look forward to meeting and connecting with him.”
On working with a young quarterback and what he brings to the table and what he’s looking to help him with this season:
“Seeing that I got the experience, I’ve been doing this for ten and a half years – I always add the half now – but I’ve played with a lot of quarterbacks. I’ve been around a lot of quarterbacks, so learning the quarterback, getting to know him, spending more time with him. Once you know somebody on a more personal level, I feel like it’s a lot of carry-over to the field, whether they’re risk-takers or like to play aggressive, like to play smart, and just honing in on what he’s good at. We played him last year. He shows a lot of fight. He got that fiery quarterback, ‘I want to win’ mindset. That’s something that I get excited about and love to be around. But as far as his development as a quarterback, I feel like that’s not really too much of my job. My job is to get up and catch the ball. I just look forward to getting back out there and being one of the weapons for him.”
On if he can take us through the Wednesday night dinner, through everything he did on Thursday and when he left New England:
“I don’t know if anybody shadowed schools at all, or if you have any experience in the… If you’re an athlete, I mean, pretty much everybody is an athlete there, right? You meet everybody. It’s like a little meet and greet, get to know you, whether you have a relationship or not. I wouldn’t say it’s an interview, but it’s an interview. You get to know who’s around and get to know the coaches and spend the time. I think they want to get to know you as a player, as a person, learn about where you’re from, what you like to do, your hobbies, X, Y, Z. Talk a little bit of football, but I think they do enough homework on the football portion.”
“But it’s kind of casual. And then the next day, you tour the facility, you meet everybody that you’re going to be around. You see a couple of players, you do a little bit of maybe a little bit of physical stuff. Maybe a lot of it, you never know. But it’s a cool day. I feel like my individual trip was tailored because I was going to rehab and I had an injury. So more so to get to know you process and the things I do on the field, kind of like with some carry-over. They knew a little bit about it from the past, so it was a good visit.”
On the fact he said he had a prior relationship with Vrabel, and what it is about him that he likes and appreciates, and if that was part of the draw for him to come here:
“Yeah, 100 %. I mean, I also kind of factor in that he was a former player. And player-to-coach relationship, it works, meshes really well with coaches that played at one time. They know what it takes to put the time in being out there. I guess it wouldn’t say it’s too much like a robot. Sometimes they get caught up in being in the numbers and the Xs and O’s. Player coaches know that you’re out there, you can make plays, things come up differently, how you see things can be differently when you once were a player. So he was a big draw for me seeing that he played the game of football and how well he played the game of football. I mean, he played with a standard. He played with some moxie. He had that energy. He played with a team or individuals that were great at what they do. Being around greatness and breeding greatness, it’s like – it’s rubbing shoulders with it. I feel like he has good words with it. I feel like it’s a good relationship to have, especially when out there. So trying to follow suit, in a way. ”
On if him being a former player led to his post [on social media] yesterday:
“It’s going to be a lot of posts like that, especially… I told him he was young and handsome, then I don’t know about… He’s still kind of young, but I don’t know about the handsome part. But I make a lot of jokes, so it’s going to be a lot more posts, but it’s something to be excited about. The day before that, I said my goodbye’s, and then now it’s time to start my new beginning, so I’m super excited.”
On what it’s going to be like to see Buffalo now twice a season on the opposite side, and if that’s something he ever thought could happen:
“Not really. I said a little bit earlier in the interview that I center myself on where I am. So of course, back then, I would have never thought I would see that. But I had a couple of games here. I had a lot of fun here. I’ve lost some games here, too. So it’s going to be extremely fun. I’m excited to be back in the AFC East. It’s a lot of good teams, the teams I was seeing frequently, the players. So I’m excited, that’s to say the least. I’m excited.”
On the fact for a team that’s been looking for a number one wideout, if that was something he was looking at and how much does it excite him to be able to hopefully bring that to the receiver room:
“It’s exciting, obviously. When I was factoring my decision, it’s like getting back on track after I said I spent 10 and a half years playing this game. Would have been 11 if I didn’t get banged up. I definitely look forward to getting back on track. Young quarterback, a good team, a lot of pieces being added, everything tracking in the right direction, something that I wanted to be a part of. I feel like I could be helpful as far as the development with the receivers and everybody involved. For me personally, getting back out there and getting active. I just want to put my talents to use. But definitely, I thought about it. All that factored into make my decision.”
On what teams he visited:
“I didn’t visit anywhere. I had a lot of conversations with a lot of teams. This was my only visit, physical [visit]. But I was considering a couple of other places, but that’s all in the past now.”
On given his situation at 31-years old coming off an injury, what his expectations were contract-wise and if what he ultimately signed reflected that:
“I mean, I kind of figured it was going to be around that area – in the 20s – considering I came off an injury. But I also factor in the fact that I’m one of the only receivers that had like six 1,000-year-old seasons, consecutively. So as far as with the production, it’s always been there. I’ve always been productive as a receiver. I can move the chains, I can do intermediate. I can go deep. I’ve done it all throughout my career. So my resume speaks for itself, but it was more so the injury that obviously would deter or make the money be where the money is. But I know that I’m 31 years old, and this is my first injury after 10 years, considering. I had little banged-up injuries, but nothing that was that serious. So I kind of look at it as definitely an opportunity. What could have been, could have been. At this point, I am where I am, where I am, and I’m thankful.”
On the fact he mentioned he looked forward to connecting with Drake Maye and if he’s heard from him, along with how much they’ve communicated and how excited he is:
“Real lightly, obviously via text when everything was circling around and then following on Instagram. But I look forward to getting to know him on a little bit more personal level now that the ink is dry, so I’m excited. Kind of back to what these questions were, as far as with the money, I know the money will follow with your production. What I’ve done in the past is my resume, but at this point, I’m really looking forward to putting my best foot in front of me. Even towards last year, I was at 47 receptions in like, 450, or something like that, close to 500 yards. So that’s halfway through the season. I would have been on pace to have another thousand-yard season and 100 catches if I didn’t get banged up. So if you’re doing the math right, I’m going to be productive.”
On following up on his comment about being helpful to young receivers and what are the things he hopes they take from him, whether it’s as an example playing on the field, in the film room, commitment to route running, etc:
“It’s more so experience from the highs and the lows, I would say, because everybody want to have success in this league. Everybody wants to play at a very high level. But I feel like I can help more so with the lows just because I’ve experienced them myself on a personal level. Like, my first three games in my career, I wasn’t playing at all. It wasn’t until the fourth game when I got my opportunity and then taking advantage of opportunities and learning that sometimes the timing is off. When it’s your time to shine, shine. And if you don’t, you can’t blame nobody but yourself. But I kind of learned that the hard way. Sitting on the bench for three games, my first, my rookie season, it was rough for me as far as mentally. Like, ‘damn, I felt like I had a good camp. I felt like I did what I could have to have some role,’ not to say what it was, but to help them with the lows is the biggest thing because everything isn’t going to go your way. Sometimes you got to learn that the hard way. But if you’re doing what you’re supposed to, you’re committed to it, it’ll bounce away.”
“The ball will bounce your way. Eventually, you just never know when. So that’s something that I learned when I was younger. I told myself that when I did get the opportunity to go in between the lines, I wasn’t going to come off them because I’m going to do my job, I’m going to be where I’m supposed to be and I’m going to make plays. Because it’s not all about the Xs and O’s, but you got to go out there and make plays, play ball, and be a professional. I think being a pro is pro, you learn a lot too. I feel like I’ve been a pro my whole life, especially when I got in the league. But with the young guys, bringing them along to show them how to be a professional and how to handle business each and every day, it’ll go a long way.”
On if his time with Brian Dabol gave him a jumpstart with Josh McDaniels’ offense and in addition, what does he know about McDaniels and what his role might potentially be:
“It’s crazy because I asked his brother questions prior to me getting here. He was his brother’s receiver coach for Houston. So I always used to ask them questions here and there like, ‘How was your brother with XYZ?’ And just keeping it real light. It was like a get to know you process just because you spend a lot of time with your receiver coach and people on your staff. So he always kept it light. He told me about them. He told me that it took some time off and XYZ. But I don’t feel like I got a jumpstart. I don’t know if they use the same terminology or language, but football is football. And it’s committed to the studies and the tedious part of it. Nobody wants do it, but you get used to doing it. If you love football, if you love it enough, you’ll dedicate your time and your effort. So for me, I’ll get used to it. I’ll figure it out, whatever it is. I am excited, though, if it is the same language, and I don’t got to study as much.”
On the fact he said he talked briefly with Drake Maye and if anyone else on the team has reached out to him:
“Not too much with the young guys. I do know Pop [Douglas]. I have a little bit of relationship. He was real close with Tank, that was in Houston. And then Kendrick Bourne, obviously. We trained in the same place like some years back when I was real, real young, but not too much of an existing relationship. But I look forward to it. As far as being a professional, I try not to bring too much of the personal side of it to the building, but it’s good to have a relationship with those guys. You spend a lot of time with those guys. And the more you can do, I guess, at the house, kicking it, hanging out, the more you get to know the people you be around, the harder you want to play for them. You got more respect for a man when you know what he’s been through and some of the trials and stuff that he’s going through, and you just want to go harder. You appreciate somebody that’s been through something. I don’t know why. I respect a man that’s been through a little bit in life. You know what I’m saying? Sorry, but if he never went through nothing hard, we can’t relate.”
On the fact he has a reputation and if after 10 years or so in his career, how he tries to exhibit that competitive energy and if it’s different now compared to when he was younger:
“When I was younger, I would say you get in trouble a little bit as far as being so competitive, not from the standpoint of winning and losing, but mindset. Don’t let it get you off your game being too aggressive and being in my frame of, ‘I want to do this, that and the third,’ and not really honing in on your game. I feel like now at this point, the more madder I get, the more focused I get. I’d rather beat you than argue with you”
“I think when I was younger, I was so caught up in maybe a shouting match or maybe going back and forth with somebody. But at this point in my career, I’m a little older now. I’m in a space where I’d rather give you a spanking, then… Sorry. But then go back and forth with you. So as far as me being a competitor, I’ve always been that way. Even when I was a little boy, I wanted to win at everything that I did. I never wanted to lose, so I’ll never lose that. But I think the older I get, the worst it gets because it’s like, ‘damn, I really expect to win so if I lose, it was my fault. I’m going to get you. I’m going to get you on this next one.”
On if that’s made him a better teammate the way he’s learned how to channel those things, and if he’s learned to use that competitiveness to both help his own game and to help people around him:
“Yeah, 100 %. I feel like, I talked about it earlier today, I think in the interview, you can’t lead everybody the same. As firey and as competitive that I am, the ones around you, some people are motivated differently. Some people are needed to be like, positive reinforcement, as I call it, encouragement. I think big things were people were like, quarterbacks. Like, quarterbacks, they need that positive reinforcement because things aren’t always going to go right, and things are never going to be perfect. So, having somebody that always has your back, no matter whether it’s good or bad, it’s something that you can appreciate, especially when it’s genuine. So when those around me, I try to push them in the right direction. Even if things aren’t going right for me, you never know what something small could do for somebody else that’s playing well or kind of on that brink of making a play here and there. I think my maturation process comes from more experience, the good and the bad, especially more personal. But I’ve done a lot of inner work up to this point, and I feel like I’m in a great space, and I’m trying to put that into the universe.”
On the fact he mentioned his statistics and if he has any targets in his mind that he looks at:
“No. No, I mean, it’s a new situation. In my past situations, you can gauge where I was going to be. But even last year, I said the numbers because that’s where I ended up with. At the end of the year, we can have a great conversation on where the ball fell and how many numbers I have. But throughout the year, I try not to worry about it. But when the offseason comes around and we’re making it make sense as far as number-wise, and we’re talking about money, we’re talking about this, obviously, I’m going to speak the very language that we all know.”
On the fact he had to deal with rowdy fans in Buffalo and what he’s been told about New England fans and how he’s reacted to social media posts:
“I’ve played here a couple of times, and it’s gotten really …They’re equivalent to Buffalo fans. Everybody’s a little crazy, and I got used to it after a while. When I played here when I was younger, we definitely lost a couple of times. So I remember it clear as day. It was a nice trash-talking match I would say. I won’t curse because my mom’s right here. But it was definitely a lot of fun. But that’s what makes the game really fun for me as far as getting the crowd involved. It’s usually on the opposite end. I like it when they’re against me. I feel more comfortable when the crowd’s against you rather than they’re for you.”
On if he’s gotten to ride in the Kraft helicopter yet:
“I wasn’t that lucky. I haven’t been that lucky yet. Hopefully, we can work something out.”
On what, if anything, has been a surprise to him:
“Not necessarily a surprise. Even if it was new to me, I wasn’t surprised because I know a lot of guys in the league. I’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it, how it goes. So it wasn’t too much of a surprise. It was new to me, but it was something that I went in with open ears and open eyes. Not too much talking, just more so listening and engaging what makes sense because, yeah, could I have went places and did this, that, and the third? Sure. But I had to figure out what I really wanted for myself and where I wanted to be for the rest of my legacy, and why not be a part of a winning organization in some place that definitely has a lot of talent and a coach that’s going to lead them in the right direction. So I got a lot of respect for Vrabes, what he’s done as a player and what he’s done as a coach. I’ve seen it, and I look forward to working with him.”
On the fact he mentioned being ahead of schedule and when he expects to be a full participant at practice:
“S**t. When the whistle blows, huh? We’ll see. But right now, I’m ahead of schedule. I’m trying to stay ahead of schedule. I pretty much take it day by day. I’m trying not to put the carriage before the horse, but here we are. Here’s the horse right here. I’ll let you know, though. We’ll keep playing it by ear, and I’m going to stay ahead of schedule for now and I’ll let you all know.”
On the fact he mentioned legacy, and if his time will be successful if he does … what?
“Stay healthy, and the rest will take care of yourself.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This transcript was done based on the available footage and is subject to typographical errors. If you spot anything, please let me know in the comments below.)
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