Stefon Diggs gets honest about returning to Minnesota to face the Vikings

There are many revenge game narratives for Sunday’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Houston Texans, but none may be bigger than the return of Stefon Diggs to Minnesota.

Diggs will play his first game at U.S. Bank Stadium since he was traded following the 2019 season, and when speaking with local reporters, including KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson on Thursday, he said he’s excited about making his return in Sunday’s game.

“I had a great time there. ‘Minnesota Nice’ was always a thing. I’m always thankful, especially since that was the first team that took a chance when they drafted me. I had a hell of a time there. The people were amazing. [I’m looking] forward to going back.”

Houston Texans WR Stefon Diggs returning to Minnesota Vikings home stadium for first time since 2020 trade

Diggs was a fan favorite during his time with the Vikings after they selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Diggs spent five seasons in Minnesota and ranks 10th in Vikings history in receiving yards (4,623) and touchdowns (30) and 11th in receptions (365).

But fans mostly remember Diggs for being on the receiving end of Case Keenum’s “Minneapolis Miracle” pass in the 2017 Divisional Round playoff win over the New Orleans Saints.

Diggs was on his way to becoming a Vikings legend, but turmoil with head coach Mike Zimmer ultimately punched his ticket out of Minnesota following the 2019 season.

Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020 in a deal that included the 22nd overall pick that was used to select Justin Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft. But in four seasons with the Bills, the 31-year-old caught 445 passes for 5,372 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Diggs played one game against the Vikings in 2022 and caught 12 passes for 128 yards in a game that Minnesota won 33-30 in overtime. But that game was in Orchard Park, N.Y., and Sunday marks his first trip back to Minnesota since he was traded.

Now a member of the Texans, some wonder what kind of reception Diggs will receive from Vikings fans after his messy departure. But while Diggs admitted it’s a much different team than when he was traded, but he’s also excited to see some of his old teammates, including Minnesota safety Harrison Smith.

“We won’t have too much time to see some people that I knew, some familiar faces. The team doesn’t look exactly how it used to look, but there are some familiar faces over there.”

Diggs and the Texans will battle the Vikings at 12 p.m. CST at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

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