FRISCO — Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs is no stranger to defying expectations. After a challenging recovery from a torn ACL in 2023, Diggs made an earlier-than-anticipated return for the 2024 season opener. Now, facing a more complex recovery from a chondral tissue graft surgery on his left knee, Diggs has set an audacious goal: to be back on the field for the Cowboys’ first game of the 2025 season against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.
A Bold Recovery Timeline
Diggs underwent surgery to replace damaged cartilage in his knee, a procedure considered more serious than his previous ACL surgery. Despite the severity, Diggs remains optimistic. “I want to be back for the first game,” he declared after Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp practice at The Star. Currently splitting his rehab between The Star and Florida, Diggs claims the process feels easier this time, with no soreness or swelling in his knee. “I feel like I can play now,” he said, though he is restricted to rehab activities.
This ambitious timeline is remarkable given the complexity of his latest surgery. Diggs’ confidence stems from his prior success in beating recovery expectations. In 2023, he suffered a torn ACL, with an initial return projected for October 2024. Defying the odds, he played in the 2024 season opener, emphasizing, “I was early — not late, not on time, but early.” His current goal to return by Week 1 of 2025 reflects the same determination to silence doubters.
Proving the Critics Wrong
Diggs has made a career of overcoming skepticism. In 2021, he led the NFL with 11 interceptions, including two pick-sixes, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He followed with another Pro Bowl selection in 2022. However, his physicality in open-field tackling and, more recently, his health have drawn scrutiny. Diggs is acutely aware of the criticism. “This offseason, he mentioned the perception he’s not working out hard forced him to release a documentary on YouTube called ‘Seven,’ after his jersey number,” showcasing his grueling rehab process post-ACL injury. He plans to release another documentary in 2025 to document his current recovery.
His response to critics has not always been measured. After a 2024 loss to San Francisco, Diggs confronted a reporter over criticism, an incident he later apologized for. “I’d rather let my play speak for me,” he said, signaling his intent to let his performance on the field address the doubters.
Rehab Controversies and Team Dynamics
Diggs’ rehab approach has sparked tension within the Cowboys organization. He prefers working with his personal trainer, Myron Flowers, a trusted figure who has coached both Trevon and his brother, NFL wideout Stefon Diggs, since their teenage years. However, this decision has led to inconsistent collaboration with the Cowboys’ training staff. Team owner Jerry Jones suggested that Diggs’ 2024 knee injury might be linked to his rehab habits following the 2023 ACL tear, a claim Diggs refutes, insisting the injuries are unrelated.
His limited presence at The Star—less than 84% of offseason workouts—could cost him $500,000 of his $9 million base salary, though team officials have yet to finalize any penalties. Despite these tensions, Diggs appeared unfazed during Wednesday’s minicamp, engaging in a lively pingpong match with teammates Micah Parsons and Jay Toia in the locker room.
Support from Teammates
Diggs’ teammates, particularly star linebacker Micah Parsons, have rallied behind him. Parsons visited Diggs in Florida during his rehab and received a heartfelt note of gratitude from the cornerback. “He don’t really show a lot of emotion,” Parsons said. “It’s hard to get more than a couple of words out of him, so just to get that message out meant a lot to me just as a friend.” Parsons is optimistic about Diggs’ future, predicting he could be the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2025. “I’m telling him you got to put it into overdrive now. No more excuses,” Parsons added.
Can Diggs Defy the Odds Again?
Diggs’ track record suggests he thrives under pressure. His 2021 season, with 11 interceptions, showcased his elite ball-hawking skills, and his early return from ACL surgery in 2024 demonstrated his resilience. However, questions linger about his physicality and durability. The chondral tissue graft surgery presents a steeper challenge, and his decision to rehab primarily with his personal trainer rather than the team’s staff adds complexity to his recovery.
Still, Diggs’ confidence and work ethic cannot be understated. His planned 2025 documentary will likely offer fans a glimpse into the dedication behind his comeback. If he can return by September 4 and perform at his 2021 level, Diggs could not only silence his critics but also cement his status as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks.
As Parsons noted, Diggs is in a “bright spot” mentally and physically. With the support of his teammates and his unwavering determination, Diggs’ ambitious goal of a Week 1 return could once again prove the doubters wrong, setting the stage for a remarkable 2025 season.