Trevon Diggs ‘hurt’ by Cowboys’ decision to dock his pay: ‘Didn’t expect that’
It’s been almost two years since Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs signed his nine-figure contract extension to remain with the team through 2028, but just about everything that could go wrong has gone wrong since that pen was put to paper.
Back-to-back major knee injuries that forced him to miss 22 games in the last two seasons and a $500,000 dock in pay this offseason for not being in attendance for at least 84-percent of team offseason activities has his leash as short as it has ever been.
“I didn’t expect that,” Diggs said about his pay being cut. “It kind of hurt my feelings. It’s OK, I’ll make it back in incentives.”
“My first three years, I did everything that I was supposed to do to get paid. That’s why I got paid.”
Diggs’ decision to be away from the team stemmed from his desire to work with his own training and rehab specialists in South Florida instead of with the organization. After needing a major knee surgery in January, he is continuing to rehab in anticipation of making a return either during camp or early in the regular season.
“They do a great job here,” he said. “I just feel like it was in my best interest to [rehab] somewhere else and get the full undivided attention that I needed to better my career and further my career.”
On Monday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones challenged Diggs, saying he needs him to step up as a leader and to be present around the team. In response, Diggs said he won’t change who he is.
“Personally, I’m not a vocal leader,” he said. “I’m not going to be yelling, screaming at guys. How I’m going to lead is how I perform on the field and the things that I do in practice. That’s how I lead in my way. I will lead in my way and I will continue to lead in my way. I’m not going to change who I am.”
Despite the back-to-back season-ending injuries, all of the time rehabbing and now the controversy around his offseason participation, Diggs maintains that he is happy in Dallas and wants to remain with the team. He remains positive about the future and for what he can accomplish this season when he’s cleared.
“My mental is in a good place,” Diggs said. “I just feel like you control what you can control. Nobody wants to get injured, it’s just unfortunate that I had injuries...I’m in a great space, I’m positive. I know, when I get on the field, what I’m going to do. It’s all about getting on the field and staying healthy. Once I’m healthy, I’m going to perform.”
“I’m still happy here. I’ve got great teammates, my friends, my brothers, we check on each other. We’re a tight group. I’m very happy here.”
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer wouldn’t comment on a potential timeline for Diggs’ return on Tuesday.
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM.
