Gehrig Richard Dieter, born on February 24, 1993, is a former American professional football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). His journey through college football saw him represent three different institutions: SMU Mustangs, Bowling Green Falcons, and Alabama Crimson Tide. After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Dieter signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
Early Life and College Career
Dieter's college career began at SMU in the 2012 season.
Bowling Green Falcons (2013-2015)
He transferred to Bowling Green, where he played from 2013-2015, redshirting for the 2013 season. Dieter made his collegiate debut against Western Kentucky on August 29, 2014, recording seven receptions for 78 receiving yards in the 59-31 loss. On December 5, against Northern Illinois, he had two receptions for 56 receiving yards and his first collegiate receiving touchdown, a 42-yard reception from James Knapke, in the 51-17 loss in the MAC Championship. On December 20, against the South Alabama Jaguars in the 2014 Camellia Bowl, he had seven receptions for a season-high 108 receiving yards in the 33-28 victory. Overall, in the 2014 season, he had 35 receptions for 460 yards and one touchdown.
The 2015 season was a breakout season for Dieter. With Matt Johnson at quarterback, Dieter and Roger Lewis combined to be a solid receiver combination for the Falcons. In the season opener, against the Tennessee Volunteers, he had seven receptions for 133 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 59-30 loss at Nissan Stadium. In the next game, against Maryland, he was held to one reception, a 14-yard touchdown reception in the 48-27 victory. On November 4, against the Ohio Bobcats, he had nine receptions for 136 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 62-24 victory. On November 17, against Toledo, he had 13 receptions for 103 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in the 44-28 loss. Overall, in the 2015 season, he had 94 receptions for 1,033 yards and ten touchdowns.
Alabama Crimson Tide (2016)
Dieter transferred to Alabama for the 2016 season under head coach Nick Saban. He joined a receiving unit that already had the talents of Calvin Ridley, ArDarius Stewart, and O. J.
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NFL Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2017-2022)
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL draft, Dieter signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
On September 1, 2018, Dieter was waived by the Chiefs and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 18. Dieter made his NFL debut on December 2, against the Oakland Raiders, recording one tackle on special teams. In the regular season finale against the Oakland Raiders, he recorded his first professional reception, which went for 22 yards, in the 35-3 victory. In the AFC Championship, Dieter was involved in a controversial play where he recovered a muffed punt from Julian Edelman, which he returned for a touchdown. The call was later overturned, giving the ball back to the Patriots.
On August 31, 2019, Dieter was placed on injured reserve. He was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement on September 7.
Dieter's time with the Chiefs was marked by periods on the practice squad and brief elevations to the active roster. He contributed primarily on special teams and in a limited role as a receiver. He was part of the Super Bowl LIV-winning team, though he did not play in the game.
In 2022, Dieter was waived by the Chiefs.
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Retirement
In June 2022, Gehrig Dieter announced his retirement from professional football.
Personal Life
Dieter married his wife in a ceremony where Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were in attendance. He has a young daughter.
Coaching Career
Dino Babers was hired as Offensive Coordinator by Head Coach Brent Brennan in Feb. of 2024 and enters his first season with the Wildcats. From 1995-2000, Babers served the Arizona Wildcats under legendary Head Coach Dick Tomey as wide receivers coach (1995-96), running backs coach (1997), and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 1998-00. Over his impressive coaching career, Babers has coached Arizona players that made it to the NFL including Trung Canidate (St. Louis, Washington), Lance Briggs (Chicago), Mike Lucky (Dallas), Brandon Manumaleuna (St.
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