New England Patriots
“I have a way of getting mad at everything, and I want everything to be perfect.”
Stefon Diggs signed with the Patriots in March ahead of his 11th year as a wide receiver in the NFL. So far, his three-year, $69 million contract feels like it was worth it.
Diggs has played a big role in New England’s six-game win streak, as well as sophomore quarterback Drake Maye’s leap as a possible MVP candidate. The 31-year-old pass-catcher leads the Patriots in receiving yards (508), yards per game (56.4), targets (53), receptions (45), and first down receptions (25) through nine games.
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and a 2020 NFL All-Pro, has experienced considerable success with the Vikings, Bills, Texans, and now Patriots since entering the league in 2015. However, he’s still working on one part of his game.
Speaking with CLNS Media’s Taylor Kyles, Diggs said he wants to improve his attitude toward himself, which he thinks at times needs to be reeled in.
“I have a way of getting mad at everything, and I want everything to be perfect,” Diggs said. “But I think it’s a competitive edge, as well, because you’re always chasing to be better and always want better. … I always want excellence. I don’t attach myself to the results, but I always want more.
“That kind of was embedded in me when I was a kid. My dad never gave me a ‘good job’ or pats on the back, so I probably should work on that.”
As a veteran, Diggs possesses immense amounts of knowledge and wisdom that can help his younger teammates. He rapid-fire offered words of advice he’d give to himself as a first-year NFL player.
“Let your actions speak louder than words. Commit to the process. Don’t attach to the results because the results will vary. Trust in yourself. You got here from believing in yourself and the time that you put in, so don’t stop believing in yourself,” Diggs said. “Attach yourself to the process because at the end of the road, whether it’s money, whether it’s the Hall of Fame, it’s gonna require a lot of work.”
Considering the ages of some of his fellow wide receivers in New England, like third-year players Kayshon Boutte (23) and DeMario Douglas (24), those words of wisdom may have helped propel each of them to the respective breakouts they’re having this season.
Boutte leads the Patriots in touchdowns (5), yards per reception (18.7), and 20+ yard receiving plays (9). Douglas is second behind Boutte in yards per reception (14.6). He recorded the team’s longest reception thus far in 2025-26 (58 yards).
New England’s entire offense has seen significant improvements since last year, Diggs’s presence being a big part of the impressive collective leap. Diggs credited offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and wide receivers coach Todd Downing for creating an exciting environment to practice and play in that fosters growth.
“They’re straight shooters. They’re gonna tell you straight up and down what they’re looking for and what they want, and then they give you a balanced approach,” Diggs said of his offensive coaches. “They know every guy on this team on the offensive side can make plays, so they’re giving everybody opportunities to make plays and do what they’re good at.
“It’s fun out there. You get encouraged when you see guys around you have success because it’s like, ‘Damn, those guys work hard and they’re doing the things that they love.’”
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