Texans HC DeMeco Ryans praises WR Stefon Diggs’ attitude in training camp

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans sees a polished route-runner and positive star in receiver Stefon Diggs.

There were reasons for the Houston Texans to turn away from the eventual trade for Stefon Diggs.

Multiple, to be honest. 

Houston, fresh off its first division title in four years behind the heroics of rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, had the young core hitting its stride entering Year 2. Nico Collins was coming off a breakout 1,200-plus yard campaign. Tank Dell proved his value as a sturdy No. 2 option. 

Adding Diggs, a talented four-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher, would entice the fan base and send the Texans on a trajectory toward their Super Bowl aspirations, but at what cost? Could the huddle’s chemistry be ruined by Diggs’ proclaimed “diva” mentality? 

Three weeks into training camp, Diggs hasn’t shown any signs of disgruntled behavior or a bad attitude toward others hauling in passes. As DeMeco Ryans puts it, there’s little reason to be hasty about Diggs’ disrupting Houston’s internal standard. 

“I don’t have to worry about that,” Ryans said on the latest episode of Dianna Russini’s podcast Scoop City, released Friday. “For me, I’ve never had issues with players when it comes to that. I think, for me, it’s how you treat players and understand and getting to know the player.”

Houston seems to be all-in this fall after acquiring Diggs from Buffalo for a 2025 second-round pick. The Texans also traded out of the first round to snag multiple Day 2 picks to pull off the deal without moving too far down the draft line. 

From a player standpoint, Diggs is the type of route-running threat quarterbacks dream of having as a safety net. He’s a two-time All-Pro playmaker who’s finished at least 100 catches and 1,183 yards over his past four seasons. 

Diggs’ 445 catches since 2020 lead the NFL and was the backbone to four playoff runs with Josh Allen and the Bills. He also totaled six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, dating back to his time with the Minnesota Vikings. 

But Diggs’ quest for perfection has led to drama and sour departures in his previous two stops. He was unhappy with his role with the Vikings and eventually asked for a trade. Last season, his production decreased with the Bills after the team fired Ken Dorsey midseason, leading to even more friction and an eventual falling out and trade request. 

It’s the preseason, so there will be time for frustrations if Collins and Dell continue to produce while Diggs serves as the odd man out, but Ryans has only seen a player who loves football and wants everyone to be on his level. 

“I want to see more guys with more urgency and more energy about themselves like Stef is,” Ryans said. “So, everything will be great with him. I’m not worried about Stef one bit.”

In Friday’s 20-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, a video went viral on the sidelines of Diggs discussing something with Stroud following Dell’s 34-yard touchdown. Opposing fans immediately took to the internet to speculate on the unfolding drama. 

One user, however, pointed out that before Dell crossed the white line, Diggs was already in mid-celebration mode. Since he arrived, Diggs has offered advice to Dell, John Metchie and even defensive backs after practice. 

For all the personified diva conversations, those moments after practice were also a selling point for Houston to pull the trigger.

“It’s like, ‘Man, who wouldn’t want this guy on our team?’ ” Ryans said.  “I’m so thankful and blessed that we were able to acquire him and he’s able to come to our team because I think his leadership level is just off the charts.”