For someone that was given the coolest nickname in franchise history under Andy Reid, it appears that “sheep dog” may finally be able to showcase his talents at wide receiver in the National Football League for the first time since his time at Bowling Green State University.
A native of South Bend, Ind., Gehrig Dieter was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2017, following his journey to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game with Alabama football versus Clemson University.
He’s developed a strong friendship with Patrick Mahomes II, former quarterback at Texas Tech University and the one chosen to replace Alex Smith for the Chiefs. Prior to Mahomes and Dieter moving to different apartments, sources told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that the two were roommates during the 2018 NFL preseason.
Both players work out together after practice and seem to have good chemistry in terms of feeling each other out on certain plays. After trading Smith to the Washington Redskins for a second and third-round pick, don’t be surprised if Mahomes requests of Reid to activate Dieter from the practice squad to the main roster. At 6-foot-3, he carries the body type of Jordy Nelson.
Before pursuing a professional career, Dieter started his collegiate tenure at Southern Methodist University in 2012 – reeling in 168 yards receiving with a touchdown on 10 catches through nine matchups. He would then transfer to Bowling Green State University, where he emerged as a game-changing weapon from 2014-15. With Matty Johnson pulling triggers, Dieter brought in 129 receptions for 1,493 yards and 11 scores through 23 games. He was a part of two Mid-American Conference titles in 2013 and 2015, while the latter saw him in a bigger role.
Dieter took his talents to Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the following season as joined the Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban. Despite the drop in offensive numbers, he showed versatility as a “do it all” player at receiving, blocking and on special teams. He accounted for 214 receiving yards with four touchdowns on 15 catches in 2016. Dieter got the key blocks in the CFP semifinal game versus Washington (Peach Bowl) on both of Bo Scarbrough’s touchdowns.
Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt are both exceptional talents in Kansas City; however, the connection between Mahomes and Dieter could be what the team needs to make a serious run in the playoffs for years to come.
This offseason has the potential to get very interesting for Dieter.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
