By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: Dean Wells, former NFL linebacker and Kentucky standout, dead at 54 following cancer battle
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Dean Wells, former NFL linebacker and Kentucky standout, dead at 54 following cancer battle
News

Dean Wells, former NFL linebacker and Kentucky standout, dead at 54 following cancer battle

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: April 5, 2025 5:21 pm
Jimmie Dempsey Published April 5, 2025
Share
SHARE

Dean Wells, who played for nearly a decade in the NFL following a standout career at the University of Kentucky, died Thursday following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 54. 

Wells spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks after he was selected in the fourth round of the 1993 draft. He signed with the Carolina Panthers in 1999, where he played for another three seasons before officially retiring in 2001. 

The Panthers announced Wells’ passing on the team website Friday. 

Wells first opened up about his cancer diagnosis in an interview with On3.com in April 2024. He said he had been diagnosed the previous year with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

“There’s mental toughness that comes into it. You have to have a positive attitude that you can beat it. I’ve done everything that I can with that. It’s like the chemo either works or it doesn’t. You just don’t have a lot of control over it. You wish you had more control,” he said at the time. 

Dean Wells sidelines

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION MATT STEVENS DEAD AT 51, FAMILY SAYS

According to the Mayo Clinic, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which “the disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature ones.”

Wells finished his pro career with 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. It followed a standout career at Kentucky where Wells still holds the records for most sacks in a game (5) and the single-season sack record (10). 

“Condolences to family & friends of Dean Wells, who has passed away,” the university said in a statement on social media. 

Dean Wells tackles

“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 is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their two sons. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.



Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

Witness says New Hampshire country club shooter yelled ‘Free Palestine’ during wedding violence: AP

MLB great Ken Griffey Jr. takes photography talents to the Masters

Falcons’ Jeff Ulbrich ‘felt nothing but support’ from team after his son prank called Shedeur Sanders

‘Real Housewives’ star Kim Zolciak rebuilds life as estranged husband takes surprising career turn

Kevin Hassett ‘very, very confident’ courts will back Trump’s tariffs amid legal setback

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Trump admin revokes Colombian president’s visa over alleged ‘reckless and incendiary actions’
News

Trump admin revokes Colombian president’s visa over alleged ‘reckless and incendiary actions’

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 27, 2025
DNA evidence cracks cold case, connects dead suspect to murders of 4 teens at Austin yogurt shop
North Carolina family still recovering a year after Hurricane Helene destroyed home
Trump administration presses Supreme Court on executive order restricting birthright citizenship
Charlie Kirk’s legacy honored as customers flock to Steak ‘n Shake in solidarity
Three women indicted for allegedly livestreaming chase of ICE agent to his home and posting address online
Major pro-life group demands investigation into abortion pill billboards in Florida
News

Major pro-life group demands investigation into abortion pill billboards in Florida

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 27, 2025
Georgetown College GOP member demands ‘full investigation’ of leftist club’s flyers referencing Kirk death
News

Georgetown College GOP member demands ‘full investigation’ of leftist club’s flyers referencing Kirk death

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 26, 2025
DOD needs to shore up help for troops with gambling problems, GAO says
Tactical

DOD needs to shore up help for troops with gambling problems, GAO says

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 26, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?