In one of the most unexpected crossovers between tech and sports this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly made a staggering $245 million offer to NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, in exchange for the athlete’s public participation in a groundbreaking marketing campaign for Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup.

The proposal, which quickly made waves across both the tech and sports industries, was said to include several terms: Diggs would become the face of Apple’s “Next Move” campaign, a global push to promote the iPhone 17 Pro Max and its enhanced AI-integrated sports tracking features. But that wasn’t all — the contract also included a condition that Diggs use the iPhone during his 2025 NFL Championship run and feature the device in every major public appearance.

What shocked the public even more wasn’t the jaw-dropping value of the contract or the terms themselves, but rather how Stefon Diggs responded.

According to close sources and later confirmed by Diggs’ agent, the wide receiver sent back one single sentence in response to Apple’s multi-page proposal:

“If I’m holding anything on game day, it’s a football, not a phone.”

Social media platforms erupted. Fans, analysts, and even other athletes praised the Buffalo Bills superstar for his focus and integrity.

NBA legend LeBron James posted on X: “Respect. Some things money can’t buy.”

Meanwhile, ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt said on air, “In an era when endorsement deals often outshine the sport itself, Stefon just reminded us what it means to stay true to your game.”

Within hours, #DiggsOverDollars and #OnlyTheBall trended worldwide on Twitter and Instagram. NFL fans hailed Diggs’ response as a throwback to old-school athletic grit — a refusal to be distracted, no matter the price tag.

The offer was part of Apple’s secretive “Next Move” initiative, which aimed to reposition the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the essential tool for elite athletes. Equipped with real-time biometric scanning, AI-assisted performance tracking, and a dynamic sideline coach feature, the device was reportedly tested by several athletes across Europe and Asia.

But Cook wanted a face that would resonate with American sports culture — and few stars are as electric, intense, and charismatic as Stefon Diggs.

Insiders say Cook was personally involved in the pitch, even meeting Diggs privately in Los Angeles just after the NFL Draft in April. The meeting reportedly ended cordially, though Diggs left the venue without giving an answer at the time.

Sources within Apple’s marketing division say the team was “confident” Diggs would accept, especially given his rising profile and reputation for style and technology off the field.

That confidence, however, was short-lived.

Apple now finds itself in an unexpected PR dilemma. While some consumers admire the company’s ambition to integrate tech more deeply into sports culture, others are criticizing the brand for trying too hard to commercialize personal athletic performance.

Tech analyst Dana Chow told CNBC, “Apple misread this one. You can’t buy authenticity — and Diggs just proved that.”

Despite the setback, Apple plans to continue with the campaign, possibly seeking a different ambassador from the NBA or European soccer. Rumors point to French footballer Kylian Mbappé as a top contender.

For Diggs, the impact of his decision goes far beyond a single sentence. The move has already strengthened his reputation as not just a world-class athlete but a man deeply committed to his craft.

Speaking to local reporters after a Bills practice, Diggs was asked if he regretted turning down the historic deal.

“There’s only one ring I’m chasing this year,” he said with a smile. “And it’s not on a phone screen.”

His teammates have since rallied around him, with quarterback Josh Allen joking, “Guess I’ll have to find another guy to FaceTime at halftime.”

As athlete-brand partnerships continue to skyrocket in value and scale, Diggs’ decision may serve as a powerful message across the sporting world. In a time when million-dollar contracts and personal branding dominate headlines, Diggs reminded everyone that legacy, purpose, and loyalty to the game still matter.

Whether or not other athletes will follow suit remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is clear: Stefon Diggs has already won something far greater than a contract — the respect of fans around the world.