Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is set to face his former teammate, now New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, on the same field where they once played together for wins. It will be Diggs’ first return to Highmark Stadium. While chatter has been building on social media, the Bills quarterback was quick to temper the hype.
Recalling their first meeting after the unceremonious trade, Allen said, “Played them last year, so I don’t think it’s anything super crazy.” That game was when Diggs was with the Houston Texans, where he got the upper hand by leading his team to a 23–20 victory. However, both know that, just like last time, emotions will be running high in this one as well.
“But obviously, being back in Buffalo, who knows if the emotions are going to be heightened for him, or for the fans,” he said.“We’re just gonna go out there and try to perform the best we can.”
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And he is most likely right. Diggs has had a history with the Bills in the four years he spent with the team. That bond can’t be erased so soon. On April 3, 2024, the Bills traded the WR to the Texans and wiped out the final three years on his contract, as the team hoped to bring some young talent onto the roster. So, it isn’t surprising when Diggs confessed that the reunion, even while he is on the opposite end, will be an “emotional” one for him.
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“Obviously it was hard for me. It was a difficult time, obviously,” Diggs admitted. “I spent so much time there. I built a lot of bonds, a lot of friendships. So, it’s obviously going to be hard and emotional. For me, I look forward to going back seeing those guys. It’s just the nature of the business. I’m not in control of nothing. I get open, I catch the ball. But as far as the internal stuff, obviously, I miss those guys over there.”
Over four seasons, he recorded 445 receptions, 5,372 yards, and 37 touchdown catches. “I can’t say I didn’t think about this game when I got traded,” Diggs said about the last time he faced the Bills at NRG Stadium. As the top receiver for the Bills during his time in Buffalo, Diggs built countless memories with Allen, connecting on touchdowns.
These strong feelings were evident in his last performance against the Bills, where he finished with six receptions for 82 yards. “I held it in all week, energy-wise,” Diggs said. “I just try to keep it professional, but obviously, in the back of my mind, it meant a lot to me. I wanted to do more showing than telling.”
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While Diggs admitted that the reunion was difficult, his mindset to win has never wavered.
Stefon Diggs has one thing on his mind
A win over the Bills could shift momentum for the Patriots, who sit at 2-2. But a loss will help the Buffalo extend their shiny record to 5-0. Keeping the intensity of the competition in mind, the wide receiver appeared set for the challenge. “He [Allen] is an amazing player,” Diggs said before announcing his challenge. “Go out there and play sound, play good football. That’ll give yourself the best chance to win… I’ll see y’all on Sunday night.”
And this won’t be easy for either team. The Bills enter with an impressive record and a stacked roster, while coach Mike Vrabel has steadily built something promising for the Patriots.
Moreover, the growing connection between Diggs and quarterback Drake Maye can’t be missed. Coming off a dominant 42–13 win over the Carolina Panthers, Diggs praised the young QB for his performance. The WR also had his best game of the season, with six receptions for 101 yards.
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It was the 37th 100-yard receiving game of his career, and his first in a Patriots uniform. Diggs has been phenomenal, coming back after his season-ending ACL injury from last season.
He will aim to bring the same energy and replicate the same success when he lines up against the Bills and Allen.