Diggs Visits Cowboys Locker Room: 'Stay Close - You're Gonna Need It!'

Lewis knows, the veteran safety having broken his foot a year ago, launching him into an ordeal that he bravely admits caused him some mental health challenges. Diggs underwent surgery last week, and seemed in good spirits as he managed his way this week through the locker room on crutches, joking and laughing with teammates elated to see him.

Among the jokes? "Hopefully,'' Diggs said with a grin, "I can play (this) week.''

Actually, it'll be 2024 when we see Diggs on the field again, all part of his adjustment to a new sort of football life: No spotlight. No cheers. No scoreboard. Just mountains to climb, day after day after day.

"At first,'' Diggs said, "it was tough, but I'm used to it now, just everyday doing the same things - getting my routine down and getting structure and discipline to focus on what's important.''

What else occupies the time for Diggs, 25? He said he watches "football all day, literally ... still learning ... You get a different view of the game.''

Diggs is also "reading a couple books, and trying to find a couple new hobbies,'' he said, "just taking everything day-by-day.''

And, he is learning, making sure his day-to-day existence includes continues efforts to stay bonded with his guys.

Said Diggs: "You need that support, especially with an injury like this. You need your brothers there for you everyday, because you get really lonely. My guys have been doing a great job of just making sure I'm alright.''