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Former Gator Chimere Dike making fast impression as Titans’ return man

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender13 hours agoCorey_Bender

It hasn’t taken long for former Florida wide receiver Chimere Dike to show he belongs in the NFL. Through just two weeks, the Tennessee Titans rookie has become one of the league’s most dependable returners.

That led to strong comments from Titans special teams coordinator John Fassel, who said he’s been more than impressed with Dike’s poise and early production.

“He has been excellent. He’s provided two big sparks in the return game. And I’m not surprised, but for a young guy to have that poise has been really good,” Fassel said. “I think he’s handled it really good. And I don’t see any reason why that’s going to be any different than what’s going to happen in the future. I think it’s just going to get better and better and better. And he probably has exceeded my expectations through two weeks for sure.”

Dike’s early numbers back up the praise. He ranks top five in both kick return yards and punt return average heading into Week 3, highlighted by a 71-yard return in the season opener.

What has stood out to Fassel is not just the stats, but how Dike has handled tough assignments.

“There’s not many people at all that could handle those kicks, even if I had two or three or four returners back there, like those are tough balls,” Fassel said. “So, his poise was very good and all this stuff is really good learning for him, but we told the guys in the meeting room Monday (that) we got one.”

Chimere Dike starred during his lone season in Gainesville

Dike made his name as a returner at Florida, leading the SEC in punt return average last year. Now, he’s doing the same in the NFL and proving he can be more than just a rookie with speed.

The Titans drafted Dike in the fourth round with the 103rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. During the 2024 season with the Gators, the Wisconsin tranfer recorded 42 catches for 783 yards and two touchdowns while also serving as the primary punt returner.

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