Dean Wells, a former linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, has passed away at the age of 54 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Wells, who played in the NFL for nearly a decade, died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated player and a fierce competitor. His passing marks the end of a long struggle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Wells was first drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1993 and later joined the Carolina Panthers, where he spent a significant portion of his NFL career before retiring in 2001. Before making his mark in the professional league, Wells played college football at the University of Kentucky, where he gained recognition for his exceptional skills on the field.
In early 2023, Wells was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a rapidly progressing cancer that causes immature blood cells to form. He began an aggressive treatment regimen, including chemotherapy, and initially, the cancer went into remission. However, his joy was short-lived when doctors informed him in the fall of 2023 that the cancer had returned. Despite the devastating news, Wells remained steadfast in his resolve, sharing his thoughts with KSR, a sports outlet, in April 2024: “Show me who to tackle and I can do that. This is in the doctors’ hands and it’s in God’s hands.”
Throughout his battle, Wells was deeply grateful for the support from his family, friends, and former teammates. Many reached out to encourage him, reminding him of his toughness and resilience. Wells reflected on the mental toughness required to fight the disease, stating, “You have to have a positive attitude that you can beat it… It’s like the chemo either works or it doesn’t. You just don’t have a lot of control over it.”
His positive outlook, which he credited to his mother’s influence, remained a cornerstone of his fight. “You still gotta find a way to enjoy every day and stay positive,” he said.
In his final year, Wells dedicated much of his time to raising awareness for cancer research, encouraging people to donate blood, support cancer initiatives, and join the bone marrow registry. His legacy extends beyond the football field, as he leaves a lasting impact on the fight against cancer.
Wells is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two sons. His bravery and determination will continue to inspire those who knew him both on and off the field.