Former Panthers Linebacker Dean Wells Dies at 54
Dean Wells, a former linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, has passed away at the age of 54 after a two-year battle with cancer, the team announced. Wells played for the Panthers from 1999 to 2001, appearing in 45 games and starting 27 of them.
He had one of his most productive seasons in his first year with Carolina, tallying 86 tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception, and half a sack. Before joining the Panthers, Wells spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks.
Throughout his cancer fight, Wells remained optimistic and dedicated to spreading awareness about how others could help in the battle against the disease. He strongly encouraged people to donate blood, support cancer research, and consider joining the bone marrow registry. In an April 2024 interview with Kentucky sports blog KSR, the Kentucky native credited his positive mindset to his mother, saying her outlook on life greatly influenced him.
“My mother was always a very positive person, and I think that rubbed off on me,” Wells said. “Even though I’m scared and dealing with everything that comes with the thought of dying, you still have to find joy in each day.”
He added that maintaining a hopeful attitude was key in his fight against cancer. “You just don’t have a lot of control over it,” he said. “It’s like, the chemo works or it doesn’t—you just hope for the best.”
Wells shared that many of his former teammates reached out to him after he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
The Panthers confirmed that Wells passed away on Thursday, April 3. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
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