The Buffalo Bills were handed their first loss of the 2022 season on Sunday in Miami, where field temperatures reached well over 100 degrees in a 21-19 loss to the Dolphins. This created a dangerous atmosphere for players including Stefon Diggs, who required multiple IVs after the game, experiencing full body cramps brought on by severe dehydration.
“I’ve never been that tired in my life,” said Diggs on Tuesday while appearing on "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz". “I laid on the [trainer’s] table and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is it for me.’”
The Dolphins have played two of their first three games at home this season, an interesting scheduling choice by the NFL, putting players at risk by subjecting them to Miami’s oppressive heat.
Diggs, who tallied seven catches for 74 yards on 11 targets in the losing effort, also noted the layout of Hard Rock Stadium puts visitors at a distinct disadvantage, with the opposing sideline positioned directly in the sun.
“The Miami side is under the shade, and our side is under the sun that turns grapes into raisins,” said Diggs, a Maryland native who, throughout his NFL career, has played exclusively for cold-weather teams (Buffalo and Minnesota). “It was hot as s---.”
Diggs wasn’t the only one suffering, acknowledging that everyone, fans included, were up against it on Sunday, struggling to stay cool amid an unprecedented heat wave.
“I was a little concerned. I never had an IV in both arms at one time,” said Diggs. “Everybody felt bad.”
Combating Sunday’s extreme weather was not an enjoyable experience for Diggs - at least he has a full week to recover - unlike the Dolphins, who weren’t extended that same courtesy, as they head to Cincinnati for a game Thursday night against the Bengals.
Meanwhile, Florida continues to feel the effects of climate change, with many evacuating the state amid Hurricane Ian, a Category-3 storm that has already ravaged Cuba.
“It feels worse afterwards, especially if you lose,” said Diggs. “I compare it to going in the deep end and not knowing how to swim. You know how to tread water, you know how to stay alive, but you might not necessarily know how to swim.”
Diggs was also asked about the suspicious circumstances surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, clearing the concussion protocol in spite of obvious symptoms (“I didn’t see the video until after”), and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s outburst up in the coach’s booth, throwing papers in disgust after Buffalo’s comeback bid fell short.
“I personally love the video, because, as a player, you got to love it from your O.C., the guy that calls the plays, to care [like that],” said Diggs, appreciative of Dorsey’s competitive fire. “Some guys pack their things up in a folder and say alright, ‘Welp, get ‘em next time.’ Nah. That type of energy and that type of love, that’s what you want. If you didn’t love the video, you’re probably not a football fan.”
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The NFL’s current leader in both receiving yards (344) and touchdowns (four), Diggs will look to continue his hot start — no pun intended — when the Bills travel to Baltimore for Week 4 to take on the Ravens.
Hear more from Diggs' appearance on "The Dan LeBetard Show with Stugotz" available in the player below:
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