The final week of December 2025 has proved to be a historic and tumultuous period for one of the most famous families in professional football. In a stunning sequence of events on December 30, the Dallas Cowboys officially waived All Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs just hours after reports surfaced that his older brother, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, is facing serious criminal charges. The simultaneous nature of these headlines has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, marking a significant turning point for both athletes as they navigate legal and professional crossroads.

The Abrupt End of the Trevon Diggs Era in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys made the blockbuster decision to move on from Trevon Diggs ahead of their regular season finale against the New York Giants. Once the cornerstone of the Dallas secondary, Diggs’ departure signifies the end of a relationship that was once defined by record breaking interceptions and defensive swagger. The 27 year old cornerback, who led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021, has struggled to find his elite form following a series of significant injuries.

The decision to waive Diggs was described by sources as a culmination of factors, including declining on field performance and off field friction regarding his rehabilitation process. After suffering a season ending ACL tear in 2023 and subsequent surgeries, the Cowboys front office and Diggs reportedly grew apart. Tension reached a boiling point over the summer when the team withheld a workout bonus after Diggs chose to rehab with private staff rather than team trainers. Most recently, a controversial concussion suffered at home and a disconnect with the coaching staff appeared to be the final trigger for his release. By waiving him now, Dallas avoids a significant salary cap hit in 2026, while Diggs becomes a free agent if he clears the waiver wire.

Stefon Diggs Faces Serious Legal Allegations

While Trevon was processing his release from the Cowboys, his brother Stefon was dealing with an even more severe situation in Massachusetts. News broke on the same day that the New England Patriots star is being charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges stem from an alleged incident on December 2 involving a woman who worked as his private chef. According to the police report, the conflict arose from a financial dispute regarding unpaid wages.

The alleged victim claims that during an argument about money, Stefon Diggs entered her bedroom, slapped her across the face, and used the crook of his elbow to choke her from behind. She reported having difficulty breathing and feared she would lose consciousness before being thrown onto a bed. While Stefon has "categorically denied" these claims through his legal team, describing them as the result of a financial dispute, the New England Patriots have acknowledged the situation. The timing is particularly difficult for the Patriots, who have clinched the AFC East and are preparing for a deep postseason run.

A Coordinated Crisis for a Football Dynasty

The fact that both brothers reached these career lows on the same day is a rare and startling coincidence in sports history. For years, the Diggs brothers were celebrated as two of the most competitive and talented siblings in the league. Stefon, the veteran leader and elite route runner, and Trevon, the ball hawking defender, were symbols of excellence. Now, the family legacy is overshadowed by court dates and the waiver wire.

For Trevon, the focus is now on recovery and finding a new home for the 2026 season. Despite his recent struggles, a healthy Diggs remains a valuable asset for teams needing defensive help in the playoffs. However, he must first clear waivers and prove to prospective teams that his health and his relationship with coaching staff are no longer liabilities. For Stefon, the path forward is much more complex. He faces a scheduled arraignment on January 23, just days before the AFC Championship Game. The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy looms large, and he could potentially face a suspension or placement on the Commissioner Exempt List as the legal process unfolds.

The Financial and Professional Fallout

The financial implications for both players are massive. Trevon Diggs signed a five year, $97 million extension in 2023, but his release leaves the Cowboys with millions in dead cap space while freeing up future funds for other stars. Stefon Diggs, currently on a high value contract with the Patriots, faces potential damage to his marketability and career longevity depending on the outcome of his criminal case.

This double crisis highlights the extreme pressure and scrutiny faced by high profile athletes. Whether it is the physical toll of injuries or the intense glare of the legal system, the Diggs brothers are currently at the center of a media storm. Fans and analysts are left to wonder if either brother can return to the heights of their previous success or if this week marks the beginning of the end for their dominance in the NFL.

As the 2025 season comes to a close, the story of the Diggs family serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in professional sports. One brother is looking for a job, while the other is fighting for his reputation and his freedom. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of both Stevon and Trevon Diggs, as the league and the public wait for more answers in these developing stories.