Kyle Williams idolized Stefon Diggs growing up, but doesn’t want Patriots teammate to know that

In addition to pursuing his lifetime goal of playing in the NFL, Kyle Williams is doing so with a player he has always admired.

After Saturday’s training camp session, the Patriots rookie said that Stefon Diggs was his favorite wide receiver as a child growing up in Inglewood, California. The experienced wide receiver with the Patriots is unaware of that, though.

No, not just yet. When asked if Diggs was aware of his admiration for him, Williams responded with a giggle to reporters. I got it once he retires.

Williams wasn’t afraid to tell the media, so it could be difficult for Diggs to be unaware of that today. He was also quick to explain why Diggs was his favorite wide receiver as a child.

He was simply different, you know. Williams claimed that he was cunning. I mean, I just felt drawn to him because there was something about him that caught my attention.

Williams, who was born in Maryland, recounted the moment he began to respect his new colleague during Diggs’ time as a student at Maryland.

According to Williams, there was a highlight reel of Emmitt Smith or something similar when he was coming out of Maryland, when he was that No. 1. I just kept watching him every day.

Williams did not explain the significance of the Diggs-Smith highlight film, but it suggests that he has been a fan of the four-time Pro Bowler for a longer period of time than perhaps even the most devoted fans. Diggs had a strong three-year collegiate career at Maryland, with 2,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He was chosen by the Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, but he wasn’t well-known among college football fans.

Williams might be in the similar boat, but his lack of attention during the college game may have been more related to his playing location than a lack of excellent production. He recorded 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns at Washington State the previous season, making him likely one of the top wide receivers in the non-power conference in 2024.

Because scouts were pleased by his ability to separate at the line of scrimmage, Williams appeared to move up prospect boards during the draft process. As a result, the Patriots selected Williams at No. 69 overall with their first overall pick in the third round.

During the first four days of Patriots training camp, Williams has been among the most talked-about stories. While his performance on Day 1 seemed to enthrall everyone in attendance, he has received repetitions with the starting unit.

It would be difficult to imagine Williams not being a starting receiver for the Patriots if he continues to have days like that. Diggs was drafted when Williams was twelve, so starting with him would truly solidify a fantasy that has existed for ten years.