Any lingering questions regarding Stefon Diggs' fervour before Sunday's pivotal AFC Championship clash in Denver were decisively answered by startling pregame footage. The New England Patriots wide receiver was captured in a moment of raw intensity, forcefully headbutting the helmeted facemask of teammate K'Lavon Chaisson.
Immediate Fan Reaction and CTE Concerns
As CBS Sports' sideline reporter Evan Washburn relayed the scene, social media erupted with a mixture of alarm and dark humour. With only his braids offering minimal protection, Diggs' aggressive action prompted immediate references to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the incurable neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma in contact sports.
One fan's online comment, 'Love the enthusiasm but dont CTE yourself dog,' encapsulated the prevailing concern. Others joked about the NFL's concussion protocol, with remarks like 'They gonna throw him in the blue tent now,' highlighting the ever-present awareness of traumatic brain injuries within the sport.
Legal Troubles Cast a Long Shadow
The incident also redirected attention to Diggs' serious off-field legal situation. The veteran receiver, who is the father of rapper Cardi B's youngest child, faces allegations of attacking his personal chef during a reported dispute at his Massachusetts home.
According to a police incident report obtained by the Daily Mail, the female accuser stated that Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom on December 16, grabbed her from behind, and attempted to choke her using his elbow. The report further details that the woman believed Diggs' girlfriend contacted her via voice and text messages to discourage pressing charges, though Cardi B was not explicitly named.
Diggs has categorically denied these allegations through a previously released statement. Despite the ongoing legal saga, he has remained a fixture on the Patriots' roster, contributing significantly to their postseason campaign.
A Remarkable On-Field Resurgence
Amidst the controversy, Diggs' professional performance has been nothing short of exceptional. Now 32, he delivered one of his finest seasons, appearing in all 17 regular-season games for New England. His stat line—85 receptions on 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns—underscored his vital role in the offence.
His comeback from a devastating knee injury suffered last season with the Houston Texans has been so impressive that he was named a finalist for the NFL's prestigious 'Comeback Player of the Year' award. He further cemented his playoff impact by scoring a touchdown in last week's divisional-round victory over his former team, the Texans.
The juxtaposition is stark: a player celebrating a career renaissance on the field while navigating serious personal and legal challenges off it. As the Patriots continue their Super Bowl pursuit, Diggs' intensity remains undeniable, but the consequences of his actions, both in pregame rituals and in his personal life, continue to generate significant scrutiny and debate.
