Stefon Diggs: Penalty, Jersey Number, Celebration and Is He Playing Today?

Stefon Diggs is back in the NFL spotlight with the Washington Commanders. The veteran wide receiver made an immediate impact in his first regular-season game for Washington, but his touchdown celebration also created one of the biggest talking points from the Commanders’ Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Diggs caught a fourth-quarter touchdown and appeared to give Washington momentum in a close game. However, his decision to celebrate by jumping onto and hugging the goalpost resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The penalty became especially important because it affected Washington’s opportunity to attempt a two-point conversion late in the game.
Here is everything to know about Stefon Diggs’ penalty, celebration, jersey number and whether he is playing today.
Stefon Diggs Penalty: What Happened?
Stefon Diggs was penalized for his touchdown celebration during Washington’s Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13, 2026.
After catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels, Diggs ran toward the goalpost and jumped onto the padding. He then hugged the goalpost before falling back into the end zone.
Officials immediately flagged the celebration for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty resulted in a 15-yard setback.
The timing made the penalty particularly costly. Washington was attempting to make a late comeback against Philadelphia, and the penalty affected the team’s options following the touchdown.
The Commanders ultimately lost the game 24-22. Washington later attempted a two-point conversion but could not complete it.
Why Was Stefon Diggs Penalized?
Diggs was penalized because the NFL does not allow players to use the goalpost as part of a touchdown celebration.
The veteran receiver’s celebration was not simply a normal dance or football spike. He physically jumped onto and hugged the goalpost, which falls under the league’s restrictions involving the goalpost as a prop.
Diggs acknowledged after the game that he made a mistake. Commanders coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels also discussed the penalty following the loss.
The incident also attracted attention because Diggs has previously been fined for a similar goalpost celebration.
Stefon Diggs Celebration Explained
Stefon Diggs’ celebration was a familiar one for NFL fans. After scoring his touchdown against Philadelphia, he ran directly toward the goalpost and embraced it.
The celebration appeared to be an emotional reaction to scoring his first touchdown for Washington. However, because the goalpost was involved, officials called the 15-yard penalty.
The moment quickly became one of the most discussed plays from Washington’s season opener.
It was an unfortunate situation for Diggs because his touchdown itself was important. Instead of the score simply giving Washington momentum, the subsequent penalty created another challenge for the Commanders.
Did Stefon Diggs Get a Penalty for Hugging the Goalpost?
Yes. Stefon Diggs received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for hugging the goalpost after his touchdown.
The penalty was particularly costly because it changed Washington’s situation after the score. Reports following the game noted that the celebration moved Washington farther away from the end zone and influenced the team’s decision-making on the ensuing try.
Diggs took responsibility for the mistake after the game.
What Number Is Stefon Diggs?
Stefon Diggs wears No. 3 for the Washington Commanders in 2026.
The Commanders’ official roster lists Diggs as a wide receiver wearing No. 3. NFL.com also lists him as Washington’s No. 3 receiver.
The number is different from the numbers Diggs wore with some of his previous NFL teams.
Stefon Diggs Jersey Numbers
| Team | Jersey number |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 14 |
| Buffalo Bills | 14 |
| Houston Texans | 1 |
| New England Patriots | 8 |
| Washington Commanders | 3 |
Diggs wore No. 14 for much of his time with Minnesota and Buffalo. He later wore No. 1 with Houston and No. 8 with New England. His current Washington number is No. 3.
Is Stefon Diggs Playing Today?
No, Stefon Diggs is not playing today, September 14, 2026.
The Washington Commanders played their Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13. Washington lost that game 24-22. Therefore, there is no Commanders game scheduled for Diggs to play on September 14.
Diggs is currently listed as an active member of the Washington roster.
For the latest game-day status, fans should check the Commanders’ official roster and NFL updates before the team’s next matchup.
Stefon Diggs Is With the Washington Commanders
Washington signed Diggs during the 2026 season after his previous stint with the New England Patriots.
The Commanders announced the signing in August. The team highlighted Diggs’ experience, production and history as a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro. At the time of the signing, he had recorded 11,504 career receiving yards and 74 touchdowns.
His 2025 season with New England was also productive. Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
That production helped him earn another opportunity to play a major role in an NFL offense.
Stefon Diggs’ First Touchdown With Washington
Diggs’ touchdown against Philadelphia was significant because it was his first touchdown as a Washington Commander.
He caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels during the fourth quarter. The score helped Washington stay within striking distance in a game that ultimately went down to the final moments.
Unfortunately for Diggs, the celebration penalty became almost as memorable as the touchdown itself.
The Commanders were unable to complete their late comeback and fell 24-22 to the Eagles.
Stefon Diggs and Jayden Daniels
Diggs is expected to be an important target for Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The veteran receiver brings extensive NFL experience to a Washington offense featuring a young quarterback. Diggs has played for the Vikings, Bills, Texans and Patriots before joining the Commanders.
His career numbers remain impressive. He entered Washington with more than 11,500 receiving yards and 74 receiving touchdowns.
The combination of Diggs’ route-running ability and Daniels’ mobility gives Washington another weapon in the passing game.
What Happened to Stefon Diggs’ Penalty?
The penalty did not result in an ejection or suspension. It was a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during the game.
The bigger issue was its effect on Washington’s late-game situation. The Commanders were trying to close the gap against Philadelphia, and the penalty made the potential game-tying attempt more difficult.
Diggs admitted afterward that he should have been more aware of the situation.
Stefon Diggs Career Overview
Diggs entered the NFL after playing college football at Maryland. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He quickly developed into one of the league’s most productive wide receivers.
Over his career, Diggs has played for:
- Minnesota Vikings
- Buffalo Bills
- Houston Texans
- New England Patriots
- Washington Commanders
He has accumulated multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors while producing seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons. The Commanders noted that his most recent 1,000-yard campaign came in 2025 with New England.
Final Thoughts
Stefon Diggs’ Washington debut included both a big touchdown and a costly mistake. He scored a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Eagles, but his decision to hug the goalpost resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The incident became especially important because Washington was attempting a late comeback in a 24-22 loss.
As of September 14, 2026, Diggs is an active Washington Commanders wide receiver and wears No. 3. He is not playing today, because Washington’s Week 1 game was played on September 13.
FAQs
Why was Stefon Diggs penalized?
Stefon Diggs was penalized 15 yards for hugging the goalpost after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
What number is Stefon Diggs wearing?
Stefon Diggs wears No. 3 with the Washington Commanders in 2026.
What was Stefon Diggs’ celebration?
Diggs celebrated his touchdown by running to the goalpost, jumping onto the padding and hugging it.
Is Stefon Diggs playing today?
No. On September 14, 2026, Diggs is not playing because the Commanders played their Week 1 game against Philadelphia on September 13.
Did Stefon Diggs score a touchdown for Washington?
Yes. He caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels in Washington’s Week 1 game against Philadelphia.
What team does Stefon Diggs play for?
Stefon Diggs plays wide receiver for the Washington Commanders in the 2026 NFL season.
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