Stefon Diggs finished his first practice with the Commanders, got in some extra work with quarterback Jayden Daniels and then headed to his formal introductory press conference.
The veteran receiver quickly noted that the media tent was a sauna, the microphones used to ask questions were too low and that bugs circling the dais wouldn’t leave him alone.
None of that deterred him from saying all the right things. The DMV native and University of Maryland product won the press conference and surely the hearts
and minds of Commanders fans listening in, exuding joy while reveling in the great fortune of playing for his hometown team.
Diggs spent months on the open market, well after most unrestricted free agents had signed, waiting for just the right opportunity. It found it in Washington, with a team needing his expertise to reclaim 2024 glory after a down season.
Diggs was glad he waited for just the right opportunity in just the right place.
“We had an idea that we wanted to slow-play it and so whatever made the most sense at this stage of my career,” Diggs said in his Friday press conference. “Everybody knows I want to win and I want to hold a trophy up. What better place to do it than back home? I have to work every day in order to do that but, here I am, putting one foot in front of the other.
“I take it one day at a time and try to treat things organically. Gratitude eliminates entitlement. I come in grateful and happy to be here.”
That was clear during the 13 minutes, 46 seconds spent at the podium, even with the bugs and DMV humidity he didn’t miss from his younger days. He called Daniels a superstar. Diggs said Terry McLaurin is a like mind who plays with his level of passion. He said rookie Antonio Williams “can hoop,” even though young players get mentioned by number and not name at this early stage.
Head coach Dan Quinn said he had played against Diggs a ton and seen the quality game film, but he learned this week about Diggs’ willingness to lead and assist and set high standards. That was clear on Day 1, with extra time spent with Daniels, McLaurin and so many of the young Comamnders players on both sides of the ball.
The 32-year-old takes pride in doing all that, hoping to elevate the play of those around him.
“I always try to push the guys around me to be the best version of themselves,” Diggs said. “We’re building that already. It’s Day 1, but we had a lot of conversations, more than I thought we would have, with guys coming up to me. I’ve been around for a while and I’m trying to give them everything I’ve got.
“…I want to keep that good energy going and be a beacon of light and bring a positive energy and a dog mindset. I want to show more than I tell. I talk to y’all a lot but, out there, it’s all ball.”
Where he’s playing football makes this experience already hits different. That was clear when reporters started bringing up his youth football days played around his native Gaithersburg, MD. Diggs was born and raised in the DMV. He went to college here and now makes a return home as a professional entering his 12th NFL season.
“I got chills just now…I can’t write a better story,” Diggs said. “At this point in my career, with what I want to do, being able to be healthy, coming off an ACL and having success and them coming to your hometown team and wanting to shine for them – I want to put on for my city. I wanted to do that when I was away, and I want to do that when I’m home.
“It definitely means a lot to me. Pulling your heartstrings a little bit, but I know I’ve got a city behind me. I’ve got a support system here and I know I have a lot of love here. I want to make people proud. The best way you can do that is to go far. I’m not going to say where – I don’t want to jinx it or nothing – but I want to go far and be consistent and be a puzzle piece that affects this team in a positive way.”
Diggs promises not to force it. He’ll immerse himself into the Commanders culture slowly and without entitlement. After months without a team, Diggs is clearly intrigued by a new opportunity with great promise.
“I’ve been around the game for a long time,” Diggs said. “I have been productive. I know my way around the field a little bit, so I come with some experience. With leadership, I know everyone is led differently. I’m new here, so I’m just trying to earn my keep and earn the respect of my teammates and coaches. Most importantly, right now, is to learn the playbook. I’m a little late in the game, but I’m going to handle it the right way, life a professional. I’m just excited to be at work.”
