After Stefon Diggs' father passed away when he was only 14, the New England Patriots wide receiver saw his mother take on the brunt of raising him and his two younger siblings all alone.
That experience, and helping look after his two younger brothers, shaped Stefon Diggs as a man and a philanthropist. Now, much of the work his Diggs Deep Foundation does is to have impact on single moms and families in similar situations.
His mission will get a prime-time spotlight on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 13, as Diggs represents his Diggs Deep Foundation for the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative.
"I appreciate everybody who came out," Diggs said while hosting "Game Day of Giving: Gear Up & Give Back" with his foundation at Gillette Stadium on Monday, Nov. 17.
"I want you to know that here at the Patriots and the Diggs Deep Foundation like to make sure our initiatives help single mothers, mothers in general, and kids. That's always the focus."
This event was a good depiction of the interactive, intimate, and impactful experiences Diggs like to host for the community.
Families from across Massachusetts and Rhode Island came to Gillette Stadium for a night of entertainment, food, children's crafts, and family-friendly activities to enjoy. The foundation also distributed "Diggs Deep Warm-Up Kits" packed with coats, hats, gloves, socks, and other cold-weather essentials.
"I'm new to this community, so I want to feel a part of it and with everything they do to support us, impact it the best way I can," said Diggs.
"It's a service to others and it makes you feel good inside when you can impact the youth or mothers."
Mothers and families were invited through their relationships with various non-profit organizations throughout New England. Partners for the celebration included the Patriots Foundation, Sojourner House, Abby's House, Cradles to Crayons, Dick's Sporting Goods, UGG, Bar Louie, Foster Forward, Casa Myrna, and St. Mary's Center for Women and Children.
The community event, as well as My Cause My Cleats, both come around the holidays – a time when Diggs knows giving back goes a long way.
"I'm thankful for a lot," Diggs said. "Up to this point, coming off an injury and being able to be part of a special community, part of this team, part of an organization that is as serious about giving back as I am. Around the holiday season, you get in that cheerful spirit to pay it forward. I'm blessed for a lot of things.
