Stefon Diggs made his long-awaited return to the field Sunday night — and the win meant more than most.
After missing nearly a year with a torn ACL, the New England Patriots wide receiver delivered the best performance of his career against none other than his former team, the Buffalo Bills.
Diggs had a breakout night with 10 catches for 146 yards, helping the Patriots hand the previously unbeaten Bills their first loss of the season and close the gap in the AFC East.
The 31-year-old veteran looked every bit like his old self, completing big catches at the right times, forming a dynamic connection with second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The duo led New England to one of the biggest upsets of the year, edging Buffalo 23–20 in Week 5.
After the game, NBC’s Melissa Stark asked Diggs if the victory felt personal — and the 31-year-old didn’t hesitate.
“100 percent,” Diggs said. “Obviously, I love those guys. Still got a good relationship with them. Got a lot of respect for ’em. But I love the game of football more. And every time I go out here, I’m trying to prove it. Not only to them, but to myself.”
His new quarterback, Maye, praised the veteran’s energy and leadership under the bright lights. “Coming back here first game, prime time, you could see it all week.”
He just loves football,” Maye continued. “He’s got a lot in the tank left, so it’s good he’s a Patriot.”
In his postgame press conference, Diggs also spoke out about how he thought the Patriots’ performance “speaks volumes” about the kind of team they’ve built under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
And on a Sunday night stage, with the entire league watching, Diggs made sure the message was loud and clear.
