Two former University of Alabama stars took part in giving back to their communities over the weekend and while yours truly of TDAM was present for O.J. Howard’s event in Prattville, Gehrig Dieter was putting smiles on the faces of children during his youth football camp at South Bend Washington High School in Indiana.
According to wndu.com, Dieter performed a couple of routes, took part in a few drills and did everything possible to just have fun. Dieter, who hadn’t been home in a while, is becoming quite the role model. When being asked about the event, multiple campers said “it’s fun to get to learn from an NFL player” and one in particular said he wants “to be like Dieter one day.”
Before having a stellar collegiate career, the 6-foot-3 wide receiver turned in a masterful high school tenure as he held Indiana state records in receiving yards for a career (4,326), a season (2,171), a game (437) and in a 4A state playoff game (168). He also holds the state record for career touchdowns with 49. Dieter played college football at Southern Methodist University, Bowling Green State University and the University of Alabama, earning three conference titles and an appearance in the College Football Playoff with the Tide in 2016.
Though the community is thrilled to have Dieter, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to be more excited with the South Bend product as he enters his second season. Per a report from James Palmer of NFL.com, Dieter has a strong relationship with Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Whether it’s practicing timing on routes after different team sessions or playing video games together, the two have been sync with each other since last season. Both Dieter and Mahomes are highly competitive players and with Mahomes footwork improving (per the article), there is a good chance that he could get the Chiefs over the hump to be a potential Super Bowl team.
For now, Dieter is still on the practice squad.
However, the connection between he and Mahomes should get to head coach Andy Reid at some point before training camp. After collecting a 1,000-yard receiving career in college, Dieter is now awaiting an opportunity to show the pros why he’s one of the hardest workers in the game.
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.
