Former NFL linebacker Dean Wells has died at the age of 54 after a two-year bout with cancer.

Wells, who played nine years in the NFL with the Seahawks and Panthers, died on Thursday morning.

He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2023, and received a bone marrow transplant last year.

His death was confirmed by the Panthers, with whom he spent the final three years in the NFL.   

Wells is survived by his wife Lisa and the couple’s two sons.

The Louisville native, who starred at the University of Kentucky in college, spoke candidly about his cancer diagnosis last year. 

Former NFL linebacker Dean Wells began his career with the Seahawks in 1993

Patriots WR Terry Glenn is brought down by Carolina Panthers linebacker Dean Wells

‘Show me who to tackle and I can do that,’ Wells said to On3 site KSR. ‘This is in the doctors’ hands and it’s in God’s hands.’ 

Wells was selected in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, and went on to become a significant part of the team’s defense over the next six seasons.

In 80 games (50 starts) he racked up 330 tackles, including a career-high 107 in 1996. 

Wells moved onto the Panthers in 1999 where spent the final three years of his career. 

Before his death, he reportedly encouraged others to donate blood and join the Bone Marrow Registry.