FOXBOROUGH – Players circled Stefon Diggs and watched closely as the Pro Bowl receiver spoke.

The group hung on every word as the veteran’s voice grew louder. Standing on the Gillette Stadium turf, with a packed crowd around them, Diggs gave his pregame sermon Sunday. The Patriots brought the 31-year-old to New England, hoping to give the offense a No. 1 receiver.

It turns out, they also added a motivational speaker and leader.

Every weekend, Diggs gives his teammates a pregame speech. On this Sunday, passion exploded from the charismatic receiver before the team’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

When it was over, teammates credited Diggs for leading them before and during their 42-13 blowout win .

“It’s electrifying,” said rookie Kyle Williams. “You’ve got a dude that’s the

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