Stefon Diggs reaches 11,000 career yards, wins game for Patriots with final play

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By: Daniel Harris

Stefon Diggs made history on Sunday with two legendary moments for the New England Patriots. First, he reached the exclusive 11,000 career receiving yard mark, joining an elite group of only 7 active NFL players. Then he sealed the victory with an incredible final-play onside kick recovery against Tampa Bay on November 9, 2025. The Patriots won 28-23 and improved to 5-0 on the road.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Diggs became the seventh active player to reach 11,000+ receiving yards in NFL history
  • He hit the milestone on the first offensive play of the Patriots-Buccaneers game
  • Diggs also toe-tapped a clutch 1-yard touchdown before halftime on fourth down
  • He recovered the final onside kick to secure the 28-23 Patriots victory
  • The win extended New England’s undefeated road record to 5-0 in 2025

Record-Breaking Achievement: Diggs Reaches Elite Milestone

Stefon Diggs etched his name into NFL history. The legendary receiver caught a 9-yard pass on the very first play of Sunday’s matchup. That completion pushed his career total to 11,001 receiving yards. The NFL announced the achievement during the broadcast. Diggs became only the seventh active player to reach this exclusive threshold. Jerry Rice remains the all-time leader with 22,895 yards.

“Stefon Diggs becomes 7th active player with 11,000+ career receiving yards.” — NFL Official Announcement, November 9, 2025

The milestone comes in Diggs’ 153rd career game. Only four players reached 11,000 yards faster than him. He joins an ultra-exclusive club of receiving legends. His 902 career receptions place him fifth among active players in that category too. At age 30, Diggs shows no signs of slowing down with the Patriots.

Game-Sealing Drama: Final Play Victory

Diggs was far from done Sunday. Beyond his historic milestone, he delivered when it mattered most. Drake Maye led the Patriots offense down field in the final moments. With the game on the line, Diggs recovered an onside kick to seal the victory. The play exemplified his competitive spirit and special teams preparation. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel praised the receiver’s readiness.

Earlier in the game, Diggs made another highlight-reel catch. On a fourth-and-goal in the first half, he executed a perfect toe-tap touchdown. His 1-yard reception showed elite body control and concentration. The catch came with just seconds left before halftime. Maye’s precise pass found only one spot where Diggs could grab it. The Patriots led 14-10 at halftime partly due to that score.

Career Statistics and Season Performance

Here’s where Diggs stands through Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season:

Stat 2025 Season Career Total
Receptions 45 902
Receiving Yards 508 11,001
Touchdowns 2 70
Games Played 9 153
Yards Per Reception 11.3 12.2

Diggs ranks 19th among all receivers in receiving yards this season. His 508 yards put him within reach of his seventh consecutive 1,000-yard season. The Patriots hope he continues this elite production. Drake Maye and the offensive system are bringing out his best. His pairing with tight end Hunter Henry creates constant mismatches downfield.

What Comes Next: Can He Reach 12,000?

The question now becomes: Can Diggs reach 12,000 receiving yards? With seven games remaining in 2025, he’d need roughly 143 yards per game. Given his current pace, this goal seems achievable. His leadership off the field also elevates the entire Patriots receiving corps. Younger receivers watch and learn from his professionalism.

  • Keep watching for Diggs’ consistency in upcoming matchups against tougher defenses
  • His special teams contributions make him more valuable than statistics show
  • Contract extension talks could heat up if Patriots make playoff push
  • Hall of Fame discussions will intensify if he adds more records

Is Stefon Diggs the Greatest of His Generation?

Diggs’ 11,000-yard milestone ranks him among all-time greats. Players like Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and other contemporary stars rarely reach such heights. Only legendary receivers achieve this. Jerry Rice set the standard with 22,895 yards. But Diggs has already cemented a Hall of Fame case. Fans wonder if he’ll continue climbing the all-time charts next season.

The Patriots found a gem when they signed Diggs as a free agent in March 2025. He’s delivered with clutch catches, milestone moments, and team leadership. His impact extends far beyond stat sheets. Special teams mastery, game management, and mentorship set him apart. Don’t sleep on Diggs in your 2025 NFL analysis.

Sources

  • NFL Official – Milestone announcement and game statistics
  • ESPN – Career stats and performance analysis
  • New England Patriots – Official game recap and highlights

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