Kansas City Chiefs: The women behind the player, Gehrig Dieter edition

After going undrafted, the phone rang, it was the Kansas City Chiefs

Gehrig went undrafted but didn’t have to wait long. The Chiefs brought Gehrig and Meg to Kansas City. Gehrig hit it off with the most popular new guy in town, rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes. They roomed together, went to practice together, played video games together. Their friendship started to make headlines as they seemed inseparable. Patrick’s girlfriend Brittany and Meg have become close as well.

Can you describe how your lives have changed since he got the phone call from the Chiefs?

The experience of being on the bubble of having everything and having nothing has humbled us. I had never prayed so hard for anything in my life, so every morning I start the day by thanking God that we woke up in Kansas City. 

We’re just so thankful to be here. It sounds cliche, but we really treat every day as a gift. Every offseason weekend we try to explore something new here. I don’t live my life so dependant on plans anymore, because in the NFL you don’t fear the unknown, you live it.

G has never worked harder. He doesn’t just want to play on Sunday – he wants to play in Arrowhead for his team, his coaches, the fans, and the entire Chiefs organization. 

You wrote a piece last year about the stress you had last preseason, not knowing if Gehrig would make the team or what the two of you would do if he didn’t make the squad, etc. How did Gehrig handle himself through that time in your lives?

G really proved to me in what I would consider the most trying time in our lives. When I should’ve been the shoulder to lean on, I was too busy asking him “what if” and “what’s next?” He took it all in stride. That’s the one thing I admire immensely about him. He never lingers on anything, he accepts it and moves forward and works harder. 

I had a bad attitude in the beginning. I had a hard time trying to understand why his teammates and our friends were lucky to have things “handed” to them – getting drafted, making millions, planning elaborate weddings and vacations while we spent the whole summer worrying and grinding it out.

He said something along the lines of “because we can handle it and this is what we’re called to do” and it made me realize it was time to buck up and join him in being optimistic. He is naturally stoic and truly handles everything with grace (besides losing in Fortnite).

Does round two have a different feel to it or is similar to Groundhog Day? 

I thought it would be easier having been here a year and having such great chemistry with his teammates, but as soon as training camp started, that anxiety came right back. The competition at wide receiver is tight and every guy is battling for their spot.

It’s a bit more intense because we have built a beautiful life here in Kansas City and knowing it is on the line is always difficult to stomach. 

Gehrig spent the entire season last year on the practice squad. What was a normal week like for you two during the season? 

A lot of long days and crossed fingers, a lot of prayers. It was less hectic than if he traveled with the team, but we were always waiting and hoping he would get called up. Alex and Elizabeth Smith welcomed us into their quarterback group and the highlight of our week was the weekly quarterback dinner. 

The Smiths, Brays, Patrick and Brittany and G and I would try new restaurants and get to know each other. We even spent Thanksgiving with them. They quickly became our family unit here.