Dean Wells, who performed 9 years within the NFL after a memorable faculty profession, died on Thursday after a two-year battle with most cancers, the Panthers confirmed Friday.
He was 54.
In response to a number of experiences, Wells was recognized with leukemia in 2023 and obtained a bone marrow transplant final spring.
Final 12 months, he spoke with On3 about his combat.
“Show me who to tackle and I can do that,” Wells instructed the outlet. “This is in the doctors’ hands and it’s in God’s hands.”
Born in Louisville in 1970, Wells suited up for the Kentucky Wildcats, the place he was a standout defender and set the crew’s single-season sacks document (10) and single-game mark (5).
The varsity remembered his contributions in an announcement on social media.
“Condolences to family & friends of Dean Wells, who has passed away,” the soccer crew wrote on X. “A 3-year starter, he set a UK single-game record with 5 sacks vs. Indiana and went on to a 9-year NFL career. After NFL retirement, he returned to hometown Louisville and was a staunch supporter of the Wildcats.”
Wells was taken within the fourth spherical of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, a crew he performed with for six seasons.
He acquired the prospect to begin throughout his third season earlier than blossoming right into a pressure in his fourth season, recording a career-high 107 tackles throughout 16 video games (15 begins).
For every of his remaining six seasons, Wells recorded at the very least 45 tackles.
He performed his remaining three seasons with the Panthers, ending his profession with 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions.
He’s survived by his spouse and two sons.
