Patriots Coach Hails Stefon Diggs as a ‘Great Leader’
New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious legal challenges off the field during the 2025-26 NFL season. He was recently charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery connected to an alleged December 2025 incident with his personal chef. As the team prepares for a potential playoff run, Diggs’ arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026, just days before the AFC Championship Game. Most recently, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about Diggs as a “great leader” for the team. And his comments came amid Diggs’ current controversies. Here’s what he said.
The New England Patriots’ head coach recently talked about Stefon Diggs’ leadership
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talked highly of 32-year-old Stefon Diggs despite the allegations against the wide receiver.
“These guys are focused,” Vrabel said on The Greg Hill Show, Audacy reports. “I appreciate that they — with older players, they get a routine. And I appreciate — Stef [Diggs] has a routine, I think it was cool to see Mack Hollins talk about the routine, and [Efton Chism III], that he helped him create. And then, hopefully, we can have these little pockets of guys.”
Vrabel went on to say that Diggs has made an effort to become a “great leader” for the other players on the team, and he also works hard to “create a routine” and “stay motivated each and every week.”
“Some weeks, there’s 10 targets, and there’s nine catches,” Vrabel continued. “In other weeks, there’s three targets and three catches. And so that’s been really good to see. We’ve talked about that receiver room. They’re all trying to take advantage of the opportunities and spread the ball around.”
Diggs joined the New England Patriots ahead of the 2025 season on a three‑year contract originally reported at up to $69 million, including around $26 million in guaranteed money, after previously spending time with the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills. The deal’s structure is heavily incentive‑based. It features a modest base salary and per‑game roster bonuses in 2025, plus performance goals.
