All around the league, organized team activities (OTAs) are underway. While these practices aren’t mandatory, many believe it’s essential for players to come together and start building chemistry. They also give veterans a chance to support the new and rookie players added to the roster.
So, even though OTAs are optional, there’s often plenty of buzz when big-name players skip them. For example, Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is catching heat for skipping OTAs to go house shopping in Tokyo, Japan.
Part of the issue is that some players aren’t just missing time with their team — they’re also showing off what they’re doing instead on social media.
New England Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Addresses Viral Stefon Diggs Yacht Video
That’s precisely what happened with New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Patriots made a big splash in free agency when they signed the four-time Pro Bowler to a three-year, $63.8 million contract.
Diggs did show up to OTAs, but it was just a day after a video surfaced online showing him partying on a yacht. In the clip, Diggs is seen with rapper Cardi B and several models. One woman flashes an unidentified pink substance in a baggie.
Naturally, reporters asked new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel about the video during his post-OTA interview.
Mike Vrabel asked right out of the chute by @kguregian about the Stefon Diggs video: “It’s something we’re aware of. … The message will be the same for all our players: We’re trying to make great decisions.”
Diggs is not at the Patriots’ voluntary OTA today pic.twitter.com/irABKJsx1I
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) May 28, 2025
“It’s something we’re aware of … The message will be the same for all our players: We’re trying to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel told reporters. “Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club.”
According to a post on X by Ben Volin, senior writer at the Boston Globe, Diggs did not attend the Patriots’ voluntary OTA today.Vrabel said he’s been in touch with Diggs, just like he has with the rest of the roster. Diggs was present for at least one voluntary practice last week.
Diggs Brings Star Power to Struggling Patriots Offense
The Patriots franchise has undergone significant changes over the past two seasons as they strive to return to their winning ways. They brought in Vrabel and are counting on Diggs to help Drake Maye make the critical second-year leap.
New England had to upgrade its wide receiver group after finishing dead last in 2024 with just 1,723 receiving yards. Their receivers also ranked near the bottom in receptions, touchdowns, and first downs. PFSN gave the offense a D grade — 26th overall — in its 2024 Offense+ metric.
Diggs is expected to boost production immediately. He had six straight 1,000-yard seasons before an ACL injury limited him to just eight games in 2024. He’ll join a room that includes Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams, among others.