Latest news with #StefonDiggs
New York Times
38 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Patriots aren't hiding from woes of last two years: ‘Guys here are tired of losing'
FOXBORO, Mass. — Stefon Diggs worked up the fans at the first practice of training camp, urging them on as he ran onto the field. Robert Kraft beamed with optimism. Mike Vrabel embodied the hope that comes with a new era as the New England Patriots try to turn the page after struggling mightily over the last two seasons. Advertisement The first day of camp is exciting for every team. But for a Patriots organization that has been stuck in the basement of the standings after two decades of dominance, Wednesday brought legitimate hope that it had finally reset, ready to turn things around after its decline at the end of Bill Belichick's otherwise remarkable tenure. That said, the team isn't shying away from the reality of the last two seasons. 'I think we've got guys around here that are tired of losing and guys that want to win,' second-year quarterback Drake Maye said. 'That's what excites me most. … The past two or three years around here — and the past year for me, I can only speak for myself — there's guys here who are tired of losing and want to win.' LIVE: Drake Maye Press Conference 7/23: — New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 23, 2025 The Patriots are 8-27 in their last 35 games. The two main reasons for hope, of course, are Vrabel and Maye and what they might become as one of the league's most promising coach-quarterback duos. But if there was another source of optimism as camp opened Wednesday, it was the sight of Diggs sprinting around the field. The Patriots badly needed to improve at wide receiver this offseason after getting the fewest yards in the NFL from that position a year ago. But the Diggs addition looked risky when he signed in March. Diggs suffered a torn ACL late last October. The timeline for his return was unclear. But earlier this week, Diggs passed his physical and was cleared for participation in training camp. On Day 1, he caught a pair of passes from Maye. 'Everybody said I came back pretty fast, but it was a different journey for me,' Diggs said. 'I pushed it. I wanted to get back as fast as I could, and I just was super serious about my rehab process. I love football, and if you really love football, you're putting that time in. Getting injured is part of the game. But getting back to playing football just makes me extremely happy.' Stef let the dogs out 😭😂 — New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 23, 2025 It was just one day — a pretty easy one as far as training camp practices go, considering players aren't yet allowed to be in pads — but it was a productive one for the offense. There were only two 11-on-11 team periods, but Maye connected with Diggs in each of those. 'He made some plays out here today,' Maye said. 'It's awesome being able to throw to a guy like that. And even when you feel like he's not open, he's going to go make a play for you in tight coverage. He's a strong receiver, going to make plays. And I think we've got a bunch of those guys in the room that will earn their role and find their role.' Advertisement Kraft was on hand in part for a charity event promoting dog adoptions, but he, too, expressed optimism about what's to come. He chatted on the field before practice with Vrabel, the first-year coach whom Kraft chose after firing Jerod Mayo. He noted the success that has come during his 31-year tenure, yet acknowledged the struggles of late. 'Except for the last two years,' Kraft said, 'I think we've done really well.' A year ago, there was also optimism as Mayo brought a different direction and vibe than what Belichick had provided for so long. But it was apparent early on that his team was overmanned and not improving. This season, the optimism on Day 1 of camp seems more warranted and likely more sustainable. Vrabel has brought a change that starts with eliminating bad football. 'We talk about the good, the bad and the s— that gets you beat, and I think that they can tell the difference between those three now,' Vrabel said. 'My job is to try to get them to eliminate the stuff that gets you beat. We just have to correct the bad, and we have to continue and enhance the good stuff that we do.' We'll learn much more as camp goes on, as the practices intensify and it becomes clear who is standing out (though it's worth noting that rookie receiver Kyle Williams had a strong day with the best catch of practice on a deep ball with Christian Gonzalez in coverage, and that Keion White was impressive on the D-line). The opening session, though, was more about the new vibe and the positive feelings around the Patriots. 'I like Day 1 where we're at,' Maye said. 'And I think we've got some more work to do.' (Photo of Drake Maye: Eric Canha / Imagn Images)
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Watch: Patriots fans react to Stefon Diggs arriving at training camp
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs ran on the field to a chorus of cheers on Wednesday, after being cleared to participate at training camp. The veteran four-time Pro Bowler suffered an ACL injury that ended his season prematurely last October with the Houston Texans. He has been working hard behind the scenes to return before the start of the season, and that hard work led to him being available on the first day of training camp. Before the injury, Diggs was coming off six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He has been widely viewed as one of the most consistent and productive wide receivers in the league for years. Patriots fans are hopeful he can bring that same level of success during his run in New England. Diggs had a productive 2024 campaign leading up to the injury in a loaded Texans' offense, recording 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns. A return to form for the star wideout would add tremendous value to the Patriots' offense. Combining his natural playmaking abilities with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' play-calling could be special to watch. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
CBS News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Watch Patriots players take field with puppies on Day 1 of training camp
Football is back as Patriots training camp got underway Wednesday in Foxboro. But before anyone could focus on any drills and position battles on the field, a bunch of puppies stole the show. We're not talking about players on the PUP, either. We talking adorable dogs who were all looking for a new forever home. Wednesday was a Pet Adoption Day outside Gillette Stadium, and players did their part to promote the event. Most players were carrying or walking a puppy as they took the field for their first practice of training camp, much to the delight of everyone. Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs didn't have as much luck with his pooch, whom he put down and let escape momentarily. But at least Diggs' ACL looked good as he chased down and eventually retrieved the pup. Football is a violent sport, but the pooches turned the Pats into a bunch of softies before they hit the field. Even Mike Vrabel -- a no-nonsense head coach and grizzled 14-year NFL vet -- couldn't help but show off his softer side as he took the podium on the field with Nash, a puppy decked out in a Drake Maye jersey. Nash may not have made it back to the adoption event. "He's quiet and trained, so I may actually take this one," said Vrabel. "Hopefully he can find a good home -- if it's not mine." The furry fun in Foxboro was all part of a new program called Pawtriots, an initiative by the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation focused on giving dogs and other pets a chance to find their forever homes. The Animal Rescue League of Boston, Potter League for Animals, and the Berkshire Humane Society were on-site in front of the main entrance Wednesday with dogs to take home and information on how to start the adoption process. A number of families who had already started the process were presented with their new pooches on the field. Both Robert and Dana Kraft brought puppies to the field as well, and spoke of how their own puppy at home -- Heisman -- changed their lives four years ago. "What happened four years ago on my birthday, our friend delivered Heisman to my front door. Who gets a dog as a birthday gift unrequested? I was really ambivalent, but it's really unbelievable how he has been so additive to our family and brought so much love," explained Kraft. "He rules the house. He hasn't taken over the Patriots yet, but most other areas he's done that," Kraft joked. "Brenden [Schooler] said it best [Tuesday], dogs are the glue that hold a family together," echoed Dana Kraft, who is also on the Board of Directors for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. "We know the joys it brings us, and we're happy to share that with others." Wednesday's Pet Adoption Day was the second such event, after the program's first adoption day at Patriot Place back in May. You can get more information on the Pawtriots initiative here.
Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Patriots training camp, Day 1: Welcome back
Related : Each day of training camp, the Globe will get you set up with what you need to know. Here's today's rundown: Patriots training camp schedule for Wednesday, July 23 Wednesday's practice is open to fans, with access beginning at 9:15 a.m. If you'll be one of the many in attendance at Gillette, here are some tips: ▪ Pick a low vantage point for individual drills, a high one for team drills. Advertisement ▪ Memorize the roster and jersey numbers cold. ▪ Take note of the pairings and combinations. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up ▪ Grade the one-on-one battles, and be descriptive. ▪ Take note of the game situations. ▪ Listen to what the coaches are telling the players. Related : Vrabel will be speaking to the media at 9:30 a.m. — stay tuned for updates at — then practice will begin at 10:15 a.m. The media also will hear from a handful of players after practice. What to know for Wednesday ▪ Stefon Diggs is a go. The wide receiver has been cleared to return from the ACL tear he suffered nine months ago. The news is a positive development for both the offense and the 31-year-old Diggs, who was a limited participant for voluntary spring practices. 'I know that everybody heals differently, especially from that type of injury, but I would say it's a testament to how hard he worked,' Vrabel said Tuesday. Advertisement ▪ Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who was absent from spring workouts because of an undisclosed health issue, is back in the building. 'Big T is here, ready to go,' said Vrabel. 'He's been out on the field with us the last couple of days. Players were excited to see him. I was excited to see him. We'll move forward.' ▪ The team placed tight end Austin Hooper, wide receiver Mack Hollins, tackle Vederian Lowe, and linebacker Jahlani Tavai on the PUP list. According to Vrabel, Tavai, who suffered a calf injury this spring, should practice Wednesday. The other three will return 'sometime after that,' he said. Related : ▪ The Patriots also placed cornerback Carlton Davis, safety Josh Minkins, and wide receiver Jeremiah Webb on the non-football injury (NFI) list. Davis and Webb should return Wednesday, Vrabel said, while Minkins needs 'a few more days.' Players are eligible to come off PUP and NFI at any time. Related : ▪ Call them the 'Pawtriots': The Patriots are hosting a 'Pet Adoption Day' on Wednesday, with three animal shelters onsite for fans to meet and possibly adopt a dog. Players will walk the dogs onto the practice fields and some families who were preselected will get to meet their new friend at camp. The dog days of summer are truly upon us! Katie McInerney can be reached at
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Patriots Get Health Update on WR Stefon Diggs
Patriots Get Health Update on WR Stefon Diggs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New England Patriots made one of the boldest moves of the 2025 offseason by signing wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. The risk? Diggs is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in October 2024. At age 31, Diggs is fighting the clock to be ready for Week 1. He's impressed in meetings and limited drills, and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel praised his 'energy and focus' during offseason workouts. Diggs has been rehabbing at Alkemē Sports RX in Florida, working to regain speed and explosiveness. He told reporters he's 'focused on being better,' and is already performing sprint drills and sharp cuts in training. According to a March report, Diggs is 'ahead of schedule' in recovery and hopes to be cleared by camp. The stakes are high. New England had the league's worst receiving output in 2024, with tight end Hunter Henry leading the team in yards. The Patriots are counting on Diggs not only to be their top target but also to help develop young quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise as a rookie but lacked a reliable No. 1 receiver. Maye and Diggs have already begun building chemistry, working together in private sessions this spring. Teammates say Diggs' leadership has elevated the receiver room. If Diggs is delayed, the Patriots may have to lean on free agent Mack Hollins or explore adding another veteran wideout. The team-friendly structure of Diggs' contract, loaded with incentives and health protections, reflects cautious optimism. If he returns to the kind of form that tempted the Patriots, Diggs could help transform a stagnant offense and accelerate Maye's development. But if the injury lingers or his explosiveness fades, New England could face yet another frustrating season. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
