ACL injury to 1,000 yards: Stefon Diggs completes incredible comeback with Patriots

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ACL injury to 1,000 yards: Stefon Diggs completes incredible comeback with Patriots

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Mon, Jan 5, 2026 ·

2 min read

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FOXBOROUGH – Stefon Diggs came into Sunday's regular-season finale needing 30 yards to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh time in his NFL career. The Pro Bowl receiver is used to putting up big numbers and surpassing milestones, but this one was different.

After suffering a torn ACL, needing surgery, and then spending the offseason rehabbing his knee , it was remarkable that Diggs simply started training camp on time with the Patriots . It was impressive that the 32-year-old started in Week 1.

On Sunday, for Diggs, it was even more special when he eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards after everything he went through.

"People see all the hard work you put in and the daily struggles that people have. People go through (expletive) - the ups and downs," Diggs said. "I kept grinding, stayed focused. To hit another 1,000 yards, I've done it before, but this is probably the most meaningful one I've ever had. Just because coming off of injury."

Diggs went into halftime with one reception for 3 yards as the Patriots went run-heavy against the Dolphins. He added another reception, for 6 yards, early in the third quarter.

Then, 21 yards away from the milestone, Maye heaved a deep pass down the right sideline, and with 39 seconds left in the third quarter, Diggs caught a 34-yard pass. He was swarmed by his teammates on the sideline, who congratulated the veteran.

With that catch, Diggs also earned a $500,000 incentive. He also became the first Patriots receiver to hit the 1,000-yard mark since Julian Edelman in 2019. Diggs finished this season with 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns.

"He's up front (in meetings). He's attentive," Mike Vrabel said of Diggs. "There's an energy to him. He's been out there. He's been available. He's taking care of his body. Then the production has been fantastic. I'm glad that we have him."

For the Patriots, signing Diggs to a 3-year, $69 million contract this offseason represented some risk. A player over 30, who suffered a torn ACL, might never be the same. In the end, Diggs said his hard work paid off.

"People just don't know, coming off an ACL (injury) and getting your confidence back, being around the right people, they're pushing you every day," Diggs said. "I'm so thankful God is good, God is amazing. I'm going to enjoy this."

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