NASHVILLE – Every Titans fan has probably seen Chimere Dike's 90-yard punt return on Sunday, when he raced down the sideline and toward the end zone against the Seahawks.
But did you notice what Dike did when he got there?
Dike pointed at his colorful cleats, before pointing to the sky.
Mike Lermer saw it, and he was flooded with emotions.
"It brought tears to my eyes," Lermer said on Monday, "to see Chim and Kai out on the field again that way. It was amazing to see, and it meant a lot to me and my family."
As part of the NFL's 'My Cause, My Cleats' initiative, Dike was honoring his high school buddy, Kai Lermer, with his cleats in Sunday's game. The cleats were designed with Waukesha North High School colors, some of the sports Dike and Lermer played together, and lettering from the memorial fund created in his name.
Kai Lermer died from an undiagnosed heart condition back in high school in 2019. Lermer was just 16 years old when he collapsed while playing basketball with friends. Dike and Lermer became friends when they were roughly 10 years old, said Mike Lermer, Kai's father.
A memorial fund in honor of Kai, who was a junior in high school, was set up. In the past, Dike has also taken part in football camps that have raised money for the cause.
Dike said the moment – scoring a touchdown wearing his buddy's cleats – was "super special."
And he hopes it brings more attention to Kai, and the memorial fund in his name.
Dike also added a second touchdown for the Titans in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game.
"I knew if I got the opportunity, I wanted to do something," said Dike, whose punt return tied Pacman Jones' 2006 record for the longest punt return in franchise history. "I was talking to his dad and the work that they do is truly amazing. To be in the position that they were in, losing their son suddenly like they did. … Obviously losing a child any time is hard, but when it comes sudden like that, I can't even imagine. And the first thing they did is think about other families, and how they can help other people. That inspires me.
"I am a man of faith, and I think one of the things we're put on earth to do is serve other people. The fact that I can have this platform and be in a position to give a small piece to highlight what they are doing and the work they put in, and the selfishness they have, it is definitely a blessing for me.
"I am just thankful for them and my friend as well, my brother looking over me."
Since their son's death, Kai's family has worked to prevent a tragedy from happening to others. The Kai Lermer Memorial Fund partnered with multiple groups to educate others and provide resources.
In March 2022, the Kai 11 Bill was passed in the Wisconsin Legislature. The bill informs parents of student athletes about the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and gives them the option of getting an EKG test done for their child. The city approved to put AEDs in schools and in some of the public parks. Kai's mother started a separate foundation where low-cost EKG screenings are available.
For those interested in contributing to the Kai Lermer Memorial Fund, here's the link: CLICK HERE.
"I obviously saw 'My Cause, My Cleats' growing up and thought this was the perfect opportunity to shine a light on (Kai and the memorial fund). … It was really tough on the whole community (when Kai passed away). Luckily, I have some really good family and friends that helped me through it.
"It just made me appreciate those around me and understand the bigger picture of how much people mean in your life."
EVERY CLEAT TELLS A STORY.
Learn more about the initiatives Titans players are supporting for this year's My Cause My Cleats campaign.
