Stefon Diggs knows how things ended with the Minnesota Vikings.
The future All-Pro receiver was frustrated with his limited role in the offense despite proving his value as a legitimate No. 1 target. Tensions rose between the two sides, ultimately leading to an offseason trade in 2020 to Buffalo.
But the newest Houston Texans target is still thankful for his five seasons with Minnesota. He only talks positively about his time with the franchise that saw his worth in the fifth round back in 2015.
“They took a real chance for me,” Diggs told reporters Thursday afternoon. “I’m forever thankful for that.”
Diggs will return to US Bank Stadium for the first time since being traded on Sunday as the Texans take on an undefeated Vikings team that has new life under Sam Darnold. While Minnesota might not have envisioned a future without Diggs, things have been better than advertised with their net investment of Justin Jefferson.
“They got a hell of a team,” Diggs said. “Obviously, they got off to a hot start. They’re 2-0. They’ve got a lot of good players over there. They’ve got a defense that’s flying around, definitely looking impressive on tape.”
Vikings fans should still have fond memories of Diggs’ dominance for five seasons in the NFC North. He’s perhaps best known for his game-winning 61-yard touchdown pass from then-Viking and current Texans quarterback Case Keenum against the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFC Divisional Round.
On top of being one half of the “Minneapolis Miracle,” Diggs posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons while helping Minnesota reach the playoffs three times, including 2019.
“‘Minnesota nice’ was always a thing,” Diggs said of the fans. “I had a hell of a time there. The people were amazing. I kind of look forward to going back.”
Stefon Diggs was highly complimentary of Vikings WR, Justin Jefferson:
“He’s a hell of a receiver.” pic.twitter.com/0U7GzQIbdB
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 19, 2024
While Diggs, who leads Houston with two touchdown receptions, might be remembered for his arrival as a Vikings’ foundation piece, most haven’t forgotten about his departure. He was fined multiple times in 2019 for missing meetings and practice, which was the start to the end.
Both sides ended up walking away better from the breakup. Diggs, who helped revive the fandom in Buffalo, went on to have four Pro Bowl seasons while helping the Bills reach the playoffs four times. He also finished with over 101 receptions each of his seasons as Josh Allen’s top target.
Jefferson, who was selected with the draft pick used to acquire Diggs, has transformed into the league’s top receiver. The All-Pro has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns while totaling back-to-back 100-plus reception seasons.
#Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs @stefondiggs excited to go back to Minnesota to play his old team #Vikings @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ccoDlpU8QE
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 19, 2024
Through two games, he remains Darnold’s security blanket, hauling in eight passes for 192 yards and two scores.
“He’s a hell of a receiver,” Diggs said of Jefferson. “He’s nothing short of exceptional as I like to say. He accounts for 50 percent of their offense so that says alot of about not just him as a player but also their offense.
“He’s going to definetly be a task for our defense. They say the good receivers you can’t stop for long but can only control them for a little bit.”
The team Diggs left is no longer the team he’ll face. Kirk Cousins, who replaced Keenum in 2018, is now with the Atlanta Falcons. Adam Thielen, Diggs’ counterpart, is now catching passes for the Carolina Panthers. Running back Davlin Cook is with the Dallas Cowboys. Tight end Kyle Rudolph retired in 2022.
Defensive guru Mike Zimmer was replaced by offensive mastermind Kevin O’Connell as head coach two years after Diggs left. And fellow 2015 draft selection Danielle Hunter has reunited with his Viking teammate in Houston. Former Texans star Jonathan Greenard became Hunter’s replacement up north following a breakout year in 2023.
Stefon Diggs on his first time returning to Minnesota as an opposing player:
“I had a hell of a time while I was there.” pic.twitter.com/5eEsCMCkdP
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 19, 2024
“The team doesn’t look exactly how it used to look, but it’s some familiar faces over there,” Diggs said. “It’s definitely exciting times. Kind of nostalgic, I guess a little bit going back. But, you know, we’re going there on business too.”
Diggs said he tries not to get too attached to the past and focus on the present. He also knows there will be a moment when it all hits for the first time he returns as a foe rather than a friend.
“It’s obviously something you can’t avoid or can’t ignore, going back to Minnesota where I spent the majority of my career,” Diggs said. “I look forward to going back, seeing some familiar faces and trying to get a dub.”
