Former NFL linebacker Dean Wells, who spent the majority of his nine-year career with the Seattle Seahawks, passed away on Thursday after a two-year battle with cancer.
The Carolina Panthers, whom Dean Wells played three seasons for, announced the tragic news. Wells was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2023 and had a bone marrow transplant last May.
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Wells played college football for the hometown Kentucky Wildcats program. In 1992, set school records for the most sacks in a single game (five) and sacks in a season (10).
The Wildcats also paid tribute to Wells on X/Twitter:
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Dean Wells in the fourth round (85th overall) in 1993. He was one of four Wildcats players taken that year, along with guard Todd Perry (Chicago Bears), offensive tackle Chuck Bradley (Houston Oilers) and kicker Doug Pelfrey (Cincinnati Bengals).
Wells was a standout linebacker for the Seahawks for six seasons (1993 to 1998). In 84 game appearances, he recorded two sacks, one interception, 330 combined tackles, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Dean Wells is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two children. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wells’ family, friends and the Panthers organization during this difficult time.
Dean Wells Spent His Final Three Seasons With Carolina
After six seasons with the Seahawks, Wells joined the Carolina Panthers in 1999. He’d suit up for 45 games over his three seasons with the organization, recording two interceptions, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles, 0.5 sacks and 199 combined tackles.
In Wells’ first season with Carolina, the team finished 26th in scoring defense (23.8 points allowed per game). But Wells helped that number drop to 19.4 (12th-best in football) under defensive coordinator John Marshall in 2000.Wells retired after the 2001 season and finished with 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and six forced fumbles in 129 NFL games.
