New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is returning to Highmark Stadium for the first time since leaving the Buffalo Bills two years ago. He’ll be facing the same teammates he once played alongside, but this time from the opposite sideline. So, how’s the sentiment on both sides? Well, his former teammate, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, believes that being on different sides won’t change the emotions or the connection they share.

During the press conference, the tackle had a warm response to Stefon Diggs’ return to Orchard Park for the Week 5 matchup. He explained how they will continue to share the same connection as before. “This is Year 2 without Diggs…..Diggs is our brother,” he shared. “Diggs is our teammate. Like, Diggs is our. Diggs is one of us. And we’re a part of his journey just as well as he’s a part of ours. He’s helped us win a lot of games.”

He understands that this will be a tough moment for the Bills as well as the WR and acknowledged the challenge wholeheartedly. “Diggs is a competitor,” he said. “I’m happy for him….He has a baby on the way. He probably has a couple of superpowers in there. But, we love Diggs.” Be it the games or his personal life, this year has been special for the 4x Pro Bowler (Diggs and Cardi B are expecting their first child together). As for his career, the WR looks as good as he was before his ACL injury in Week 8 of the 2024 season. The stats tell it all:

For the first time in 22 games, he topped 100 receiving yards, calling it “turn the corner” day. He had such a performance back in Week 6 of 2023. So, now this time, while both the Bills and the Patriots haven’t forgotten the competitive side of the game, it’s going to be an emotional reunion. As for Stefon Diggs, he has already been candid about how it will be difficult for him when he returns to play in a stadium where he has built countless memories and garnered wins.

That history and the memories can’t be erased so easily. “Obviously, it was hard for me. It was a difficult time,” Diggs admitted. “I spent a lot of time there, built a lot of friendships. It’s obviously going to be hard and emotional, so for me, I look forward to going back and seeing those guys…..The guys that I’ve maintained a relationship with, I’m looking forward to seeing them play. It’s going to be a little bit emotional.”

Diggs faced the Bills last season, but it was in the NRG Stadium. This time, it will be Highmark, the place he once called home. While the competition is obvious, his former teammate and quarterback, Josh Allen, appeared to downplay the game.

Josh Allen opened up about facing Stefon Diggs in the next matchup

During his time with the Buffalo Bills, Diggs found the perfect connection with Allen, quickly becoming the quarterback’s go-to target. After all, the WR has had 445 catches for 5,372 yards with Josh Allen in his career. Additionally, he has scored 37 touchdowns in 66 games, per StatMuse. But things changed after his departure. While the matchup has stirred plenty of excitement, Allen was quick to dismiss the hype.

“Played them last year, so I don’t think it’s anything super crazy,” he said. “But obviously, being back in Buffalo, who knows if the emotions are going to be heightened for him, or for the fans. We’re just gonna go out there and try to perform the best we can.”

The matchup that Allen talked about was when Diggs played with the Houston Texans, where he helped lead his team to a 23–20 victory. He had six passes for a team-high 82 yards. Fortunately for Diggs, he has found that same connection he had with Allen in New England.

He is Drake Maye’s teammate as well as mentor. And as a veteran, he’s valued not just for his play but also for the energy he brings to the locker room. As for now, the focus will be on the player’s return to his former team’s home for Week 5.