Texans quarterback CJ Stroud wasn't shy about where his loyalties lie ahead of Houston's Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Stroud: 'He's Helped Me Out a Ton'
On Wednesday, Stroud defended teammate Stefon Diggs from criticism he's received since his trade from Buffalo in April. He welcomed the addition of the star wideout, saying "it's been great" to work with him so far this season.
"It's been great. I think he got a bad rap just by the media and by people," Stroud said. "But he's been nothing but just amazing to this team and to his teammates. He's helped me out a ton. As you can see, we're clicking more and more every game. So, I'm very happy for him and I'm glad that he's finally having fun playing the game and doing what he loves to do because he loves football a lot. So, just really, really happy to be part of his journey and just being around him has been really awesome."
Diggs was with the Bills for four seasons after they acquired him in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. In his tenure, he led the league in receptions, was named a first team All-Pro, reached the divisional round of the playoffs four times and the AFC Championship once.
Diggs Doesn't Dwell On His Past With Buffalo
The relationship between Diggs and the Bills was seemingly turning sour as developments played out publicly. The Pro Bowler was allegedly displeased with his sudden decline in usage towards the end of his time with the Bills. A day prior to the trade being agreed to, Diggs implied that he was essential to Bills quarterback Josh Allen's success in a social media post.
Diggs claims he's only focused on his future now and is not interested in rehashing the past.
"A lot of other people are going to feel a way or have a lot to say about X, Y, Z, and I'm not mad at it," he said Wednesday. "Football is a very emotional sport. I go in there and wear my heart on my sleeve, and I won't stop, but for me, I block out the noise."
