Trevon Diggs speaks to media for first time since his return to the Cowboys

Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs was taken off the PUP list and cleared to practice with the team ahead of their first padded practice on Tuesday. Diggs suffered from an ACL tear that kept him out the majority of the season last year, which was a huge blow to Dallas’ defense. The team put him on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp to ease him back in, but now, the star defender is back in action.

Diggs speaks to media after return to Cowboys practice

Before Diggs’ injury, he was one of Dallas’ top defensive players. In his 2021 All-Pro season, he logged 11 interceptions and has 18 total in his career.

Diggs spent nearly a year recovering from the ACL tear and now he’s having to integrate back in slowly. He said that several of his teammates were able to offer support during his recovery, including fellow cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who also suffered from a serious injury back in 2022.

“He helped me out a lot,” Diggs said. “He went on the same journey that I went on. Just stay into it, staying positive and being thankful. It got me through it a lot. People say it goes by fast, but this was kinda slow. I’m happy it’s here now.”

Other teammates of Diggs who could offer empathy were DeMarvion Overshown, John Stephens Jr. and David Durden, who have all dealt with ACL injuries as well. Diggs said he is grateful to have had some people with experience to show him how to rehab the knee the best way possible and plans to do the same for other players who have ACL issues in the future.

“You need somebody to lean on,” Diggs said. “It’s tough. Like with Sam [Williams]. Sorry it happened to him, but I’m going to be on him, talking to him every day. It’s tough. You need somebody there with you for sure. I feel like we were there for each other. I’m going to pay it back to him and be there for him.”

Being out the majority of the season last year was tough on Diggs, who said he missed the camaraderie of being with his teammates. Now, he’s having daily breakfasts with linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

“I’m super excited,” Diggs said. “I haven’t played football in a long time. Just being able to be out here, practicing with them, seeing everything, it’s been a blessing. I can’t be more thankful.”

“You have that family feeling when you come to practice, come to work every day,” he continued. “Me not being able to be there with the guys, I felt that was the hardest part. Really, those guys are like my brothers. Being away from them and the team, not being able to go to war with my brothers was the hardest part.”

“You can’t take this game for granted,” he said. “Anything can happen. You don’t know how valuable it is until it’s taken away from you. I’m just thankful I’m back.”