NFL's leader in all-purpose yards? That's Gators rookie Chimere Dike
As of Wednesday, Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike leads the NFL in all-purpose yards with 1,760, ahead of elite players like Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jahmyr Gibbs. His rise to the top of the league is credited to his electric speed and versatility to make big plays in multiple phases of the game.
This surge followed a standout performance on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Dike caught five passes for 44 yards and a receiving touchdown, returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown, and added 98 yards on five kickoff returns, totaling 232 all-purpose yards. That is the second-highest total of his rookie season through 11 games.
Dike’s 90-yard punt return tied Pacman Jones’ franchise record for the longest in Titans history and made Dike the first Titans player since Darius Reynaud in 2012 to return two punts for touchdowns in a single season.
“That’s an All-Pro right there,” Titans quarterback Cam Ward said after Sunday’s loss to Seattle. “So, it’s special to have him as a teammate, but just know him off the field, the way he takes care of himself, his everyday routine, what he does to be a pro. So, everything that’s going right for Chim, he deserves it. And I’m glad he’s able to get two touchdowns today.”
Chimere Dike is in elite company as a rookie
With a one-yard receiving touchdown from Ward in the fourth quarter, Dike became just the third player in franchise history, joining Billy Johnson and Justin McCareins, to record both a punt return and receiving touchdown in the same game. He also contributed on key offensive plays earlier in the contest, including a 25-yard reception on a third and three in the first quarter.
That also has Dike in elite company as a rookie. He joins Patrick Peterson, Devin Hester, Jamal Agnew, Tyreek Hill, Dez Bryant and B.J. Sams as the only rookies since 2000 to record at least two punt return touchdowns.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
College Football Playoff
Fourth Top 25 revealed
- 2Trending
Lane Kiffin departure?
CFP chair pushed on effect
- 3
CFP Bracket
Official 12-team field after Week 13
- 4Hot
Strength of Schedule
CFP Top 25 ranked by SOS
- 5
Lincoln Riley
HC definitve on USC future
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Through 11 games, Dike has joined Derrick Mason as one of only two Titans players since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to reach 1,700 all-purpose yards in the team’s first 11 contests. Mason totaled 1,963 yards in 2000. Even in a tough loss to Seattle, Dike’s explosive playmaking as a receiver and return specialist continues to define his rookie season and build a strong case for All-Pro consideration.
“It feels great. Those guys battle for me. They make me go. Without those guys fighting, we watch the all-22 on all those big plays, and I’m making people miss but they’re also making huge blocks and springing it. So, I’m super thankful for them and thankful for Coach Bones (John Fassel) and just this whole team.”
Talk about it with our premium members in the Swamp Talk message board, here.
Not a member of Gators Online?
CLICK HERE to join the Gators Online community! It’s the top place for passionate Florida fans to find the best insight and news in the market.
Boasting a talented collection of experienced journalists, we dig deep into recruiting and provide breaking news and analysis on UF sports.
SIGN UP for the GatorsOnline Newsletter — Receive Breaking News, In-Depth Analysis via Email!
