By Cole SullivanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe New England Patriots grinded out wins all season under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, but on Sunday — amid harsh second-half weather conditions — they leaned heavily on their defense to defeat the Denver Broncos 10–7 in the AFC Championship Game and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Neither offense found much success, but veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, whom the Patriots acquired this offseason, led the team with five receptions despite quarterback Drake Maye throwing for just 86 yards.
For Diggs, the win marked his third AFC Championship Game appearance with a third different team, having previously reached the stage with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. This time, however, it came with a Super Bowl berth — and one of the first people he celebrated with postgame was his girlfriend, popular rapper Cardi B
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Fans quickly reacted to the couple’s heartwarming postgame moment.
“They’re so cute,” one fan said.
Another added, “Two cute people — king and queen.”
Someone else wrote, “I love them together!! They’re so cute!! Our girl deserves to be loved!”
One more fan commented, “I’m so happy for them.”
...Diggs spoke to the media after the game and reflected on finally earning the opportunity to play in a Super Bowl after coming up short several times in the past.
“I always wanted to be a champion — always wanted to be a Super Bowl champion — and the opportunity is right there in front of us,” Diggs said. “We were one game away, and we had to get through Denver, in Denver. For me, I’ve been in the league 11 years and I’ve fallen short so many times. New team, new situation, new coaches, new teammates. It all happened exactly how it was supposed to.”
More news: Denver Broncos Could Lose Coach Before AFC Championship vs Patriots
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