For all the “locker room cancer” talk surrounding Stefon Diggs’ time in Buffalo, that doesn’t seem to be the case in Houston.
Diggs, who joined the Texans via trade five months ago, has already impressed teammates enough for them to vote him as one of the team’s seven captains heading into Sunday’s season opener against the Colts.
Diggs, along with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, join quarterback C.J. Stroud, defensive end Will Anderson Jr., defensive back Jimmie Ward, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and long-snapper Jon Weeks, all of whom were captains in 2023.
Your 2024 Captains 😤 pic.twitter.com/HikCtZaM5O
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 3, 2024
“He’s been a leader for us since the day he stepped on the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “I’m very excited to see him continue to grow, continue to see him build, even better chemistry with his teammates.”
The naming of captain isn’t a surprise for those who have been around practice, though it could come as a shock from a national side. Before he arrived at NRG Stadium, Diggs had a history of being “dissatisfied” with his role in both Minnesota’s and Buffalo’s offense, which eventually factored into his departure.
Diggs’ unharmonious end in Buffalo led to speculation that he’d been mildly unhappy with his role in Houston while splitting reps opposite Tank Dell and Nico Collins. Everyone in the building has been pleased with his maturity and mentorship with the young playmakers like Dell and John Metchie III.
“You talk about his influence, it’s not just his influence on the receivers, it’s just his influence on our entire team. Like his competitive spirit, what he brings each and every day, like it lights the fire in our entire team,” Ryans said. “I’m very pleased with what he’s done, the energy that he brings, and I’m excited to see him go do it in the regular season.”
Stefon Diggs Voted Team Captain‼️
Coach DeMeco Ryan’s has full praise‼️#Texans #GOAT #HoustonTexans #NFL
pic.twitter.com/G8OQ9Kq8dG— Nate Kissell Sports News (@NFL_NateKissell) September 3, 2024
Al-Shaair, who signed a three-year, $34 million contract in March, already has taken over as the leader on defense. His previous time with Ryans in San Francisco not only made him an ideal captain but also a replacement for the departed Blake Cashman in free agency.
Al-Shaair, who finished top five in tackles, was voted a team captain for the Titans last year after leaving San Francisco. Ward, who recently extended his contract through 2025, also previously served as a team captain as a member of the 49ers.
The Texans will kick off at Lucas Oil Stadium at noon CT.
