New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing one of the most challenging weeks of his professional career, with personal turmoil compounding the sting of a devastating Super Bowl loss. Just days after the Patriots fell to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, Diggs finds himself at the center of breakup rumors with longtime girlfriend Cardi B, mounting legal issues, and potential disciplinary action from the NFL. The All-Pro receiver's once-promising season has unraveled into a cascade of controversies that could impact both his personal life and football future.
Sources confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that Diggs and Cardi B have "recently" ended their relationship, with the couple fueling speculation by unfollowing each other on Instagram in the aftermath of the championship game. The timing adds another layer of difficulty for the 31-year-old athlete, who welcomed a son with the rap superstar just three months ago in November 2025. As Diggs navigates this personal crisis, he also confronts felony criminal charges, a new civil lawsuit, and scrutiny over his conduct during the Super Bowl itself.
How the Diggs-Cardi B Split Unfolded: From Instagram Unfollows to Source Confirmation
The first signs of trouble emerged on Monday, February 9, when eagle-eyed fans noticed that both Diggs and Cardi B had removed each other from their Instagram follows. The social media move came less than 24 hours after the Patriots' 31-14 loss to the Seahawks, immediately sparking speculation about the couple's relationship status.
By Tuesday, a source close to the situation confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that the high-profile pair had indeed parted ways. "They did break up," the source revealed, noting the split happened "recently" but providing no specific timeline. The confirmation followed months of public displays of affection between the rapper and the football star, including Cardi B's frequent appearances at Patriots games and their joint celebration after New England's AFC Championship victory in January.
TMZ reported on the unfolding situation, noting "Cardi B and Stefon Diggs could be dealing with some trouble in paradise... at least that's what fans think after the two unfollowed each other on Instagram." The outlet verified the unfollowing was legitimate but couldn't determine whether it occurred before or after the Super Bowl loss.
The relationship between Diggs and Cardi B first sparked rumors in October 2024 when they were spotted together at a club. After months of speculation, they confirmed their relationship in June 2025 with a joint appearance at the Met Gala. Their romance progressed quickly, with Cardi B announcing her pregnancy in August 2025 and giving birth to their son on November 4, 2025.
Adding to the drama, rapper 50 Cent took to social media to mock Diggs amid the breakup rumors. The "In Da Club" artist posted a series of messages targeting the Patriots receiver, suggesting the relationship troubles were compounded by Diggs' Super Bowl performance where he managed just one catch through three quarters.
From First Rumors to Family: The Diggs-Cardi B Relationship Timeline
The relationship between Stefon Diggs and Cardi B followed a rapid trajectory that captivated both sports and entertainment fans:
October 2024: First linked when spotted together at a New York City club, though both initially downplayed romance rumors.
June 2025: Officially confirmed their relationship with joint Met Gala appearance and coordinated social media posts.
August 2025: Cardi B announced pregnancy with Diggs' child during a concert performance.
November 4, 2025: Welcomed a baby boy, whose name remains private. Diggs told People magazine, "I can't wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups."
January 2026: Cardi B frequently attended Patriots playoff games, celebrating with Diggs on field after AFC Championship victory.
February 8, 2026: Patriots lose Super Bowl LX to Seattle Seahawks. Diggs finishes with 3 catches for 42 yards and engages in sideline altercation.
February 9, 2026: Couple unfollow each other on Instagram, sparking breakup rumors.
February 10, 2026: Source confirms breakup to Entertainment Tonight. 50 Cent mocks Diggs on social media.
The relationship's rapid progression from rumors to family life made the sudden unfollowing particularly striking to fans who had followed their public romance. The timing relative to Diggs' Super Bowl performance led to speculation about whether the loss contributed to relationship strain.
Beyond the Breakup: How Diggs' Legal and Professional Challenges Compound
While the Cardi B breakup dominates headlines, Stefon Diggs faces more serious challenges that could directly impact his NFL career. The wide receiver is currently dealing with multiple legal issues that threaten his availability for the 2026 season and beyond.
Most significantly, Diggs faces felony charges of strangulation or suffocation stemming from a December 2, 2025 incident involving a former personal chef. Police reports indicate a dispute turned physical, resulting in the serious charges. Diggs has vehemently denied the allegations, but the case has been delayed until February 13 for arraignment. Under the NFL's personal conduct policy, such charges could lead to suspension regardless of courtroom outcomes.
Additionally, TMZ reported in the days before the Super Bowl that Diggs was hit with a new civil lawsuit accusing him of defamation related to a stolen Ferrari. The lawsuit alleges that Diggs falsely accused a former employee of stealing his Ferrari after it was taken by third parties in what law enforcement determined was a sophisticated theft operation.
On-field conduct during the Super Bowl itself may also draw league discipline. Diggs was involved in a second-half altercation with Seahawks defensive back Josh Jobe after being hit while out of bounds. Video shows Diggs shoving Jobe, who responded by throwing a punch before players separated them. Both players likely face fines from the NFL for the incident.
From a football perspective, Diggs' 2025 season statistics (85 receptions, 1,013 yards, 4 touchdowns) represented a decline from his peak years in Buffalo. His Super Bowl performance—largely invisible through three quarters—raised questions about his fit in New England's offense. With the Patriots potentially entering a rebuilding phase, Diggs' $69 million contract (signed in 2025) could become a financial burden if his off-field issues lead to suspension.
The convergence of personal, legal, and professional challenges creates what one sports psychologist might term a "perfect storm" for athlete distress. Diggs' support system has been further compromised by the Cardi B breakup, removing what had been a very public source of personal stability during his first season in New England.
Where Things Stand: Legal Calendar, NFL Review, and Team Response
As of February 10, 2026, Stefon Diggs' immediate future involves navigating multiple overlapping crises:
Legal Proceedings: The felony strangulation case is scheduled for arraignment on February 13. The civil defamation lawsuit regarding the stolen Ferrari remains in early stages, with Diggs' legal team yet to file a formal response.
NFL Discipline: The league is reviewing both the criminal charges and the Super Bowl altercation. Historically, the NFL has placed players facing serious charges on the Commissioner's Exempt List, effectively a paid leave while investigations proceed. A decision could come before the new league year begins in March.
Team Stance: The Patriots organization has not commented publicly on Diggs' personal or legal situation. However, team sources indicate internal discussions about contingency plans at wide receiver should Diggs face suspension. New England's front office must weigh the financial implications of potentially releasing Diggs against the need for veteran leadership on a young roster.
Personal Situation: Neither Diggs nor Cardi B has publicly addressed the breakup rumors beyond the anonymous source confirmation. Both maintain active social media presences but have avoided direct commentary on their relationship status. Friends of the couple suggest they're attempting to handle the separation privately for the sake of their infant son.
The Road Ahead: Possible Outcomes for Diggs' Career and Personal Life
The coming weeks will prove critical in determining Stefon Diggs' football future and personal trajectory. Several scenarios could unfold:
If the felony charges are dropped or reduced, Diggs might face only a short suspension for the Super Bowl altercation, allowing him to return for the 2026 season. However, a conviction or plea deal could result in significant jail time and certainly end his Patriots tenure.
The NFL's investigation will proceed independently of court outcomes, with Commissioner Roger Goodell having broad authority to impose discipline under the personal conduct policy. Even without criminal conviction, Diggs could face suspension based on the league's findings.
Personally, the relationship with Cardi B appears to have reached its conclusion, though co-parenting arrangements will need establishment for their son. The very public nature of their romance means any future interactions will remain under intense media scrutiny.
For Patriots fans, the concern shifts to roster construction and whether Diggs can regain the form that made him one of the NFL's elite receivers during his Buffalo tenure. At age 31, with mounting off-field issues, the window for championship contention may be closing rapidly.
Key Points: The Digest Version of Diggs' Dilemma
Stefon Diggs' current situation represents one of the most complex athlete crises in recent memory, intertwining personal, legal, and professional elements:
• Confirmed breakup with Cardi B following Super Bowl loss and Instagram unfollowing
• Facing felony strangulation charges with February 13 arraignment
• Civil lawsuit alleging defamation over stolen Ferrari accusations
• Potential NFL discipline for Super Bowl altercation and criminal charges
• Declining statistical production raises questions about future performance
• Patriots must decide whether to retain $69 million receiver amid uncertainty
• Relationship with Cardi B produced son in November 2025, requiring co-parenting plan


