HOUSTON – Every day at practice, Stefon Diggs spends a lot of time talking with quarterback C.J. Stroud, imparting knowledge to younger wide receivers and even defensive backs like rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
Since being acquired in a trade from the Buffalo Bills, the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has fit in extremely well in the locker room and on the field. The Texans are very pleased with his presence and leadership.
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Diggs was voted a team captain in balloting from his teammates along with Stroud, a Pro Bowl selection, and new linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, whose leadership has been praised ever since his arrival in free agency, Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, veteran safety Jimmie Ward and long snapper Jon Weeks, the longest-tenured player in franchise history.
“I am really excited about adding Stefon to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “I mean, you talk about his influence, it’s not just his influence on the receivers, it’s just his influence on our entire team. Like his competitive spirit, what he brings each and every day, like it lights the fire in our entire team. So, I’m very pleased with what he’s done, the energy that he brings, and I’m excited to see him go do it in the regular season. But he’s been, he’s been a leader for us since the day he stepped on the field. And I’m very excited to see him continue to grow, continue to see him build, even better chemistry with his teammates.
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And the growth and leadership of Stroud, a Pro Bowl selection and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, has been evident from the former second overall pick and Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State.
“C.J.’s command has grown, just how he communicates,” Ryans said. “In the huddle you communicate with confidence, in a huddle he has just been more vocal. When you do it right for the second time around, it’s a lot more easier. The verbiage of our offense hasn’t changed, so it’s easier for him to understand what we’re calling and communicate that with confidence. He’s doing that.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
