Former NFL linebacker Dean Wells has died at the age of 54 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by the Carolina Panthers, one of the teams he played for during his professional football career. In 2023, Wells was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a serious form of cancer, and later received a bone marrow transplant in May 2024 in hopes of beating the disease.
Throughout his fight, Wells opened up about the challenges he faced, expressing how different this struggle was from his days on the football field. In an interview with KSR, he shared that while he was used to managing the controllable aspects of football, battling cancer was something entirely out of his hands. “Show me who to tackle and I can do that,” he said. “This is in the doctors’ hands and it’s in God’s hands.”
Wells began his NFL career in 1993 after being selected in the fourth round of the draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He played six seasons with the Seahawks, showcasing his talent as a dependable linebacker. In 1999, he joined the Carolina Panthers, where he spent the final three years of his nine-year career.
During his time in the league, Wells proved himself as a solid defensive player. He recorded a total of 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions, and six forced fumbles. His consistent performance and strong work ethic earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike.
Off the field, Wells was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their two sons. His passing marks a profound loss for the football community and all who knew him personally. Dean Wells will be remembered not only for his contributions on the gridiron but also for his bravery in the face of a life-threatening illness. May he rest in peace.
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