Stefon Diggs' Super Bowl Debut Ends in Disappointment for Patriots
Stefon Diggs, the dynamic wide receiver known for his electric playmaking and high-profile relationship with rapper Cardi B, entered Super Bowl LX with significant expectations but delivered a muted performance as the New England Patriots fell 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite his usual pre-game enthusiasm, including sideline pep talks and a warm embrace with team owner Robert Kraft, Diggs was largely invisible during the game itself.
A Quiet Night on Football's Biggest Stage
Diggs managed just three receptions on three targets throughout the entire contest, with his first catch coming on a five-yard screen pass from quarterback Drake Maye early in the second quarter. The connection failed to convert a crucial third down, setting the tone for what would become a frustrating evening for the Patriots' offense.
Maye consistently looked elsewhere as the game progressed, most notably missing Diggs when he broke open across the middle on another critical third-down situation. Instead, the second-year quarterback overthrew Mack Hollins downfield, effectively ending the drive and highlighting the disconnect that plagued New England throughout the championship game.
Seahawks Defense Deserves Credit
While Diggs' disappearance was striking, the Seattle Seahawks' defense played a significant role in limiting his impact. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon delivered an All-Pro caliber performance, blanketing receivers and disrupting passing lanes. However, even accounting for Seattle's defensive excellence, Diggs' minimal contribution in his Super Bowl debut raised eyebrows across the football world.
The receiver's quiet performance contrasted sharply with his regular season production, where he recorded 85 receptions on 102 targets and scored four touchdowns while playing all 17 games in his first season since recovering from an ACL tear with the Houston Texans.
Off-Field Drama Overshadows Football Achievement
Diggs' Super Bowl disappointment capped a turbulent period marked by both personal joy and legal challenges. In November, his girlfriend Cardi B gave birth to their son—her fourth child and his third, but their first together. The couple, who have been dating since 2025, have frequently made headlines with their high-profile relationship.
However, legal troubles have persistently followed Diggs since he signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots in late March. Just over a month after joining the team, a viral video showed him partying on a boat while handling a pink substance believed to be drugs. Though he discussed the incident privately with head coach Mike Vrabel and faced no league or team punishment, it created friction with local media that required a September apology from Diggs.
Assault Charges and Recent Lawsuit
In late December, Diggs was charged with assault and battery following an alleged physical altercation with his personal chef, who claimed he put her in a headlock. Through his attorney, Diggs denied the allegations and received a favorable break when his arraignment was postponed until after the AFC championship and Super Bowl.
Just days before Sunday's game, another legal challenge emerged when a former employee filed a lawsuit alleging defamation and civil conspiracy. Diggs has yet to address these new allegations publicly, though he remained engaged with reporters throughout Super Bowl week leading up to his quiet performance.
Cardi B's Super Bowl Weekend Antics
While Diggs struggled on the field, Cardi B made her own headlines during Super Bowl weekend. The rapper appeared visibly intoxicated during the NFL's flag football game, telling a YouTube audience she had taken "seven shots" before arriving. She later performed a striptease for a humanoid robot that toppled under her weight, prompting an apology to nearby staff.
Cardi B also made a cameo during the halftime show, cheering on Bad Bunny alongside other celebrities including Young Miko, Karol G, Jessica Alba, Alix Earle, and Stephani Sosa. Much like Diggs' performance, however, her appearance was largely forgettable in the grand spectacle of Super Bowl Sunday.
Despite the disappointing conclusion to his season, Diggs had established himself as both a productive player and emotional leader during the regular season, earning respect from teammates and reporters alike for his candid responses and on-field performance. His ability to maintain focus amid personal and legal challenges had been impressive until his quiet Super Bowl debut raised new questions about his future with the Patriots.
