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Kentucky football announces death of Dean Wells

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•04/04/25
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Michael Allio | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kentucky football delivered some tragic news on their Twitter page on Friday evening. The team announced the death of former UK standout Dean Wells. He was a three-year starter with the Wildcats, setting a single-game record with five sacks against Indiana. Eventually, he went on to have a nine-year career in the National Football League. After NFL retirement, he returned to his hometown of Louisville and was a huge supporter of the Wildcats.

Wells was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023. He detailed his fight against the disease in a story published last year, which reported that he had a bone-marrow transplant in May of 2024.

During his time in the National Football League, Wells played five seasons for the Seattle Seahawks. He led the franchise in tackles in 1996. Later, he’d sign as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers in 1999, going on to spend three seasons with the team.

He finished his impressive career in the NFL with 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. While at Kentucky, Wells also set the team’s single season sacks record (10), cementing his place in school history. Currently, that total ranks fourth in Wildcat football history. Wells is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their two sons. He was 54 years old.

In Kentucky’s brief social media announcement of his passing, they wrote, “Condolences to family & friends of Dean Wells, who has passed away. A 3-year starter, he set a UK single-game record with five sacks vs. Indiana and went onto a 9-year NFL career. After NFL retirement, he returned to hometown Louisville and was a staunch supporter of the Wildcats.” Wells was the Kentucky team captain in 1992, and he also earned Most Valuable Senior honors his senior year.

Kentucky will open up their 2025 season with the Toledo Rockets on Saturday, August 30th. The kickoff time has not yet been announced.