After Daughter’s Diagnosis, Patrick Mahomes’ Ex-Chiefs Teammate Educates America on Autism

There is a history of NFL stars battling challenges far beyond their control. Derek Carr’s first son was born with intestinal malrotation. Tevin Coleman’s daughter was diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. Roger Staubach lost his mother to pancreatic cancer. These are moments no playbook can help you with. Imagine everything about your world flipping in one single moment. Something so powerful that it gives your life a whole new meaning. And if there’s anyone who truly understands that, it’s a former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver whose new mission is not just personal—it’s inspiring people far beyond the gridiron.

144 catches,1,707 yards, and 15 touchdowns with Bowling Green State and Alabama. A resume so strong for a WR, still Gehrig Dieter went untreated during the 2017 NFL draft. But Gehrig never actually gave up on his NFL dreams. The Chiefs, who were looking to strengthen their roster, decided to bet on young Dieter as they signed him as an undrafted free agent the same year he went undrafted. But Dieter’s NFL career never really took off, and Dieter ultimately had to bid farewell to the game in 2022. Yes, Dieter’s NFL career was obviously over, but the former Chiefs’ WR found a higher purpose, turning something deeply personal into a mission to make the world a better place.

Gehrig Dieter – known for his close bond with the Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – recently opened up about his young daughter, who was diagnosed with autism just last year. The diagnosis? It’s a tough pill to swallow. But instead of staying stuck in fear, Gehrig dove in headfirst – asking questions, learning everything he could, and stepping up – not just as a dad, but as an advocate. Now, he’s using his voice and his platform to help other families going through the same thing. That’s a kind of MVP energy right there.

Gehrig Dieter took to Instagram to share a post featuring a picture of his daughter Coco with the caption, “Last year Coco was diagnosed with Autism, this year I want to raise as much awareness about Autism as I can to help people understand what it is. Everyone is different and that’s something I’ve learned throughout this past year. Coco is the sweetest girl in the world. She communicates in her own unique ways and shows us every day that with the right support and attitude that every person can live a great life ❤️#autisumawarness”

Just last year, Dieter got to celebrate a special moment with his daughter Gigi with none other than the Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and pop star Taylor Swift during a Yankees-Guardians game. Taking to Instagram, Dieter captioned the photos saying, “Yanks win. Memories of a lifetime with Gigi ❤️.”

Talking about autism, ASD is basically a different way some people’s brains work when it comes to things like communication, social stuff, and how they experience the world. It’s called a ‘spectrum’ because it looks different for everyone. Some may need more support, while others may need little to none at all. But rest assured, Gehrig isn’t alone in his battle. Back in 2019, many NFL stars showed support for Autism Speaks during their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ campaign. Duron Harmon, Mike McGlinchey, Kendrick Bourne, Donovan Smith, and many more.

But if he’s looking for support, he doesn’t really have to look very far. For Gehrig, the biggest support comes in the form of his better half. Megan Dieter has been outspoken and proactive in raising awareness for Autism ever since Coco was first diagnosed.

Dieters: a family united in strength

Megan Dieter is not just keeping this journey within the walls of their home. She’s out there making moves. From showing up at local autism awareness events to sharing helpful resources online, she’s all in. Her goal is to help build a world that’s more understanding, more inclusive, and way more supportive.

The day she received her daughter’s diagnosis is marked with a beautiful post on her Instagram, with a picture of Coco, and a very emotional caption, “Today we received our autism diagnosis. We are a ✨neurodiversity affirming✨ family. We believe #autism is one of infinite neurotypes and it’s not to be cured or kept secret, but honored, accepted and shared. I share this with the intention of showing the world how we rock the spectrum. Please help me by teaching your kids that love needs no words. Autistic people have different needs and learning styles and that’s okay! Include everyone. Accept differences. Lead with kindness. To be loved is to be accommodated & we will never stop advocating for the means to make Coco not only comfortable, but joyously fulfilled.”

via Imago

She’s ready to take the fight to the world, and she’s determined to win. She talks about how creative their daughter is. How she hears and understands everything, and how she communicates with everyone using an AAC device. Her beautiful post concludes with “This is radical acceptance. Coco, I wouldn’t change you for the world • I WILL change the world for you. 🤍♾️🌈🎉” And this post? It’s just one of the many more that have followed since then.

Gehrig Dieter’s shift from NFL WR to autism advocate shows how powerful it is to open up and share your story. But honestly? It’s his wife’s constant support and activism that really keeps their mission grounded. The two of them make a solid team, changing how people talk about autism, one story, one shared resource, and one kind gesture at a time. As more families start to speak up and connect, the dream of creating a more inclusive and understanding world for every child may soon become a reality.