Stefon Diggs is heading to his first Super Bowl of his career. On Sunday, the wide receiver and the New England Patriots secured a 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game.

After the victory, Diggs had an interview with NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe. He did not hesitate while calling out his critics who doubted his ability to be successful after 11 seasons in the league.

“They were calling me washed,” Diggs said. “Saying I didn’t have it no more. I just wanted to prove myself I am who I say I am. This team took a chance on me. I just wanted to make them proud. I am just thankful, I’m thankful.”

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The Minnesota Vikings drafted Stefon Diggs with the 146th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. He spent five seasons with them before being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020. However, the wide receiver had a tumultuous time with the team.

Diggs made the playoffs in the four seasons he played with the Bills. However, troubles started to emerge in the locker room, especially his relationship with quarterback Josh Allen.

Diggs and Allen found themselves in heated arguments after losing in the playoffs. After losing to the Chiefs in the 2023 divisional silence, the quarterback clarified his relationship with Diggs.

“Just thanking him for everything that he did for me, and (I’ll) always have a spot in my heart for him,” Allen said. “I’ll always love that guy like a brother.”

In that playoff game against the Chiefs, Diggs made several costly mistakes, including two dropped passes. Despite signing a four-year, $96 million extension in 2022, the Bills decided to trade him to the Houston Texans in April 2024. The wide receiver recorded 5,372 yards and 37 TDs receiving in four seasons with the team.

Stefon Diggs expresses gratitude to the Patriots for their faith in his game

The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as the new coach last January after a disappointing 3-14 2024 campaign. In March, they decided to acquire Stefon Diggs on a three-year deal worth $63.5 million to bolster the offense as a support cast for quarterback Drake Maye.

After Sunday’s AFC championship victory over the Broncos, the wide receiver had nothing but praise for the sophomore quarterback.

“That’s a solider, man,” Diggs said. “That’s a MVP. That’s a guy that stands 10 toes, battles through adversity. He’s a hell of a player. I’m riding with Drake Maye. I’m thankful to have a quarterback like him.”

Stefon Diggs’ 2024 campaign with the Texans was cut short after an ACL injury. However, he managed to record 1,013 yards and four TDs receiving in his comeback season with the Patriots.

Mike Vrabel and his team will now face the winner of the NFC championship for a chance to win the Super Bowl.