Dean Hamel

Offensive Tackle (1980-81)

Dean Hamel started his college career on the offensive side of the ball, blocking for the likes of Mike Rozier at Coffeyville Community College.  After being named honorable mention All-American at CCC, he transferred to Tulsa University and switched to defense as a senior.  He made 78 tackles for the 7-3 Hurricanes that season (40 solos), 6 tackles behind the line and 4 sacks for 21 yards of losses.  He was acquired in the 12th round of the 1985 draft (309th overall) by the Washington Redskins.  In his rookie season he started the last eight games for the Skins and made 67 tackles and recorded eight sacks (third best on the team).  Dean stepped in on week nine and stepped up into the Falcons backfield to record three sacks among his nine tackles.  Then against San Francisco he trapped quarterback Joe Montana in the end zone, forcing a safety.  He was named Defensive Player of the Week by the coaching staff on two different occasions in 1985.  He was also named to the all-rookie team that year.  In 1986, football connoisseur John Madden named Dean to his "All-Madden Team."  While playing with the Redskins, Dean played in three NFC championship games and two Super Bowl games, including a Super Bowl win against the Denver Broncos in 1987.

In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys acquired Dean for a third-round draft choice, and he played for the next three seasons before being forced to retire because of an injury.

Dean now lives in Lenoir, North Carolina.