Now a member of the Buffalo Bills, Stefon Diggs will always be remembered for one swinging moment during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
He was on the receiving end of the Minneapolis Miracle.
Stefon Diggs will forever be acknowledged for the moment. Outsiders of the Minnesota fanbase will boil it down to a game-winning play in the NFL’s Divisional round.
However, in Vikings Country, this play meant more. Not only was this long overdue payback against a hated foe, the New Orleans Saints, but it was an instance where it felt like the tide might finally turn for a long-tortured franchise.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Diggs burst onto the scene for the Vikings in his rookie campaign. Midway through the season Diggs became a reliable target for second-year quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. With the two developing chemistry it seemed like a promising duo. Diggs became the first rookie in team history to lead the team in receptions.
The ensuing year was a nightmare, though, with Bridgewater suffering a career-threatening, non-contact injury in practice right before the season opener.
However, 2017 was a dream. The Vikings started 5-0 with Sam Bradford before an injury forced Case Keenum into the starting lineup. Minnesota raced to a 13-3 record, earning the NFC’s second seed Diggs was instrumental, catching 64 passes and 849 yards and eight touchdowns over 14 games.
Of course, this is the Vikings, which means a gut-punch coming around the corner.
So when the Vikings blew a 17-point lead to the New Orleans Saints to find themselves down in the waning seconds of the Divisional round, it seemed like another disappointing season about to end. To make things worse, the run would end by the team responsible for BountyGate.
So when it seemed all hope was lost, a hero emerged. Diggs.
For a brief moment fans could forget about the four Super Bowl losses, the ‘98 NFC Championship heartbreak, the 2000 NFC Championship lost dubbed “41 Donut,” the 2003 Week 17 game and the Blair Walsh miss in 2015.
Trailing 24-23, Keenum dropped back from Minnesota’s 39-yard line with 10 seconds left. The veteran sailed a sideline pass to Diggs, who caught the ball at the New Orleans’ 34-yard line before racing past Marshon Lattimore and into the end zone.
The first ever playoff game hosted at U.S. Bank Stadium ends to the tune of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” With the crowd going crazy alongside Vikings players and coaches, this was more than an iconic play. This was a Minnesota memory where Minnesotans remember where they were when the “Minneapolis Miracle” occurred.
For me, I was at Target Center outside the gates of the arena. The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves were playing at home, but with numerous television screens airing the football game. Ushers, security guards and fans were outside the gates with their eyes glued to the screen.
When the play happened, you almost did a double take before the rush of excitement. Typically, Minnesota is on the wrong side of crazy finishes like this.
For once, it was Minnesota whom was the beneficiary.
Now, Diggs is a Buffalo Bill. A trade on Monday sent the talented receiver to western New York for a first-round pick among other draft capital. It’s a good return, but it’s still tough.
Ultimately, his legacy will always hold a special place in Minnesota.
It is almost fitting he was sent to the Bills. The name of the play call that called his number on the Minneapolis Miracle?
Gun Buffalo Right Key Left Seven Heaven.