Friendship Faces Off in High-Stakes NFL Playoff Game
Two longtime friends now find themselves on opposite sides of a critical playoff battle. The Houston Texans will visit the New England Patriots this Sunday in a game that could define either team's Super Bowl aspirations. Quarterback CJ Stroud and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, former teammates in Houston, shared their thoughts on facing each other in this pivotal moment.
Stroud Praises Diggs as an Exceptional Teammate and Friend
CJ Stroud did not hold back his admiration for his former teammate. "Stef is one of the best teammates I've had in my career, in my life," Stroud stated emphatically. He elaborated on their relationship, which began when they met at the Pro Bowl in 2024.
"I got to meet his kids and see what type of person he was," Stroud recalled. "We've been able to grow our relationship from there. It's cool to go from that scene to him being a teammate of mine."
Stroud highlighted Diggs' leadership qualities and team-first attitude. He described Diggs as super teammate-oriented, someone who wants to be around the guys and do things for them. "He's brought that swag there," Stroud said. "He's got the guys rolling around him and will always be a brother and a friend."
Diggs Returns the Compliment, Calls Stroud Special
Stefon Diggs, now with the Patriots, offered equally warm words about his former quarterback. While acknowledging that building chemistry takes time, Diggs expressed confidence in their connection during their brief time together in Houston.
"You see us getting on the same page here and there," Diggs observed. "Getting on the same page play after play, and that open line of communication, I feel like that's going to separate it."
Diggs made his assessment of Stroud perfectly clear. "And [CJ Stroud] is special," he declared. "I think everybody kind of knows that."
Diggs Prepares for Tough Test Against Texans Defense
The wide receiver also shared his perspective on facing his former team's defense. Diggs acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling Houston one of the best defenses in the league, if not the best.
"Man-to-man cover, that's what you want, as a receiver," Diggs explained. "You know what you're getting, you know what you're seeing. It's man vs. man."
He emphasized the importance of precise route running against such a defense. "It's going to be huge for us to run routes the right way and be available for the quarterback," Diggs said. "It's going to be a lot of contested catches."
High-Stakes Matchup Details
The NFL Divisional Round game between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots carries significant playoff implications. The matchup is scheduled for:
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
This game represents more than just a playoff contest for Stroud and Diggs. It's a collision of friendship and professional ambition, with both players expressing mutual respect while preparing to compete at the highest level. Their comments reveal the personal connections that exist beneath the surface of NFL rivalries, even as they prepare to battle for a chance to advance toward the Super Bowl.
