New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye expressed excitement about teaming up with Stefon Diggs, calling the veteran wideout a player he admired growing up.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Maye recalled watching Diggs in big moments and even drafting him in fantasy football or using him in Madden video games. His comments reflected both respect for Diggs’ career and the youthful enthusiasm of a new NFL signal-caller.
Drake Maye Ready to Throw the Ball to Stefon Diggs in Real Life
Looking forward to the coming season, Maye was reminiscent about the past and excited about the future when talking about the opportunity to play with Diggs.
“Shoot, Stefon, I mean, he’s one of those guys growing up when I was in high school he was young in the league and I had him on my fantasy team and things like that, so playing with him on Madden, so it’s pretty cool,” Maye said.
“He’s coming back obviously, from an injury. He’s doing great, he’s been around and I think it’s just gonna be cool to throw to a receiver who’s made plays like he has,” Maye added. “He’s made big pays in playoff games who’s has been in a lot of different schemes. He’s played with high level quarterbacks, It’s my job to give him a chance to go get it.”
Awesome: Patriots star QB Drake Maye used to throw to Stefon Diggs in Madden and is now excited to get to throw to him in real life:
"I had him on fantasy teams…playing with him on Madden."
Maye and Diggs will be a LETHAL duo 😱 pic.twitter.com/vXV4xpPYSt
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman)
Stefon Diggs played for the Houston Texans in 2024 after being acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills for a 2025 second-round pick. He was expected to be a key piece of Houston’s offense and a reliable safety net for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Diggs delivered early, recording 48 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns over the first eight games. However, a torn ACL in Week 8 cut his season short.
Following the expiration of his contract, the four-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the New England Patriots, including $26 million guaranteed.
Diggs, who made his name as a big-play threat with the Minnesota Vikings, is best known for the iconic “Minneapolis Miracle”—a 61-yard, game-winning touchdown catch in the 2018 Divisional Playoffs.
In New England, Diggs will team up with rising quarterback Drake Maye and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who returns for his third stint with the franchise under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
If healthy, Diggs provides much-needed stability for Maye, who will also benefit from improved protection thanks to the addition of offensive tackle Will Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Patriots are hopeful that with these key pieces in place, Maye can take the next big step following an impressive rookie season.
