NFL Star Dean Wells Dies at 54 After Cancer Battle

2025-04-05 06:03:11.501

Dean Wells, a former NFL player who spent nine seasons in the league following a standout college career, died Thursday at the age of 54 after a two-year battle with cancer, the Carolina Panthers confirmed Friday. Wells, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023, underwent a bone marrow transplant last spring. In an interview last year, Wells expressed his determination, stating, “Show me who to tackle and I can do that. This is in the doctors’ hands and it’s in God’s hands.” A Louisville native, Wells played for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he set the team's single-season sacks record (10) and single-game record (5). The Wildcats remembered him on social media, highlighting his three-year starting role and contributions to the team. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Wells played six seasons with the team, becoming a starter in his third season and recording a career-high 107 tackles in his fourth. He consistently recorded at least 45 tackles in his final six seasons. He concluded his NFL career with three seasons playing for the Carolina Panthers. Throughout his career, he amassed 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Wells is survived by his wife and two sons.