When wide receiver Stefon Diggs was traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans on April 3, quarterback Josh Allen reportedly learned of the news simultaneously with the public, as Bills general manager Brandon Beane did not inform him beforehand.
In the aftermath of the Diggs trade, Allen had remained silent about his feelings regarding the departure of one of his key teammates. However, during a press conference on Thursday, Allen finally opened up about the heartfelt conversation he had with Diggs following the news.
“Yeah, I shared a text with him and got one back, just thanking him for everything that he did for me,” Allen said during Thursday’s press conference. “I’ll always have a spot in my heart for him and I’ll always love him like a brother and wish him nothing but the best.
“My lasting memory of Stef will be [that he was] the receiver that helped me become the quarterback that I am today,” Allen continued later. “And I’ll always thank him for that.”
While acknowledging that the offensive change resulting from Diggs’ departure will be challenging, particularly due to their close relationship, Allen also recognized that such trades are an inherent part of the NFL.
“I guess that’s the nature of the business,” Allen said. “And going into Year 7 now, it just kind of is what it is. I don’t get paid to make changes on the team, I get paid to be the best quarterback that I can be and try to lead the guys on this team.”
Allen and Diggs had played together in Buffalo for four seasons, during which the Bills reached the playoffs each year but fell short of making it to the Super Bowl.
