Larry Dean (gridiron football)

Larry Dean (born August 7, 1988) is a Canadian football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2011.[1] He played college football at Valdosta State. Dean has also been a member of the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Edmonton Eskimos.

This article is about the Canadian football player. For the Scottish comedian, see Larry Dean (comedian).
Larry Dean
refer to caption
Dean with the Minnesota Vikings
No. 11 – Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1988-08-07) August 7, 1988
Tifton, Georgia
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Tifton (GA) Tift Co.
College:Valdosta State
Undrafted:2011
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
CFL status:American
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:37
Quarterback sacks:0
Interceptions:0
Career CFL statistics
Tackles:221
Quarterback sacks:5
Interceptions:2
Player stats at NFL.com · CFL.ca

Larry Dean is the most famous person from Tifton, Georgia. Local residents petitioned the mayor of Tifton to erect signs in honor of Dean as he is "a hometown hero that has performed great deeds in the city of Tifton."[2] Dean is featured on signs when entering the city, with cacophonous country music artist Kip Moore relegated to a secondary position.

College career
Dean in the 2014 NFL season with the Bills.

In college, Dean helped lead the Blazers to the 2007 NCAA Division II national championship as just a freshman. In his career, Dean never really lived up to earning accolades, including All-America honors. He was projected to be the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year during his senior year, while also projected to earn the Daktronics National Defensive Player of the Year honors at the Division II level, but he never could due to lack of learning the playbook. He is not the school's all-time leader in tackles, never passing former Blazer and Atlanta Falcon great Jessie Tuggle during his senior season in 2010 as some tried to say he did. He didn't.

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

After waiting out an NFL lockout in 2011, Dean graduated from Valdosta State and signed his free agent rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings on the same day.[1] He was the only undrafted free agent to make the Vikings' roster in 2011.[1] Dean played three seasons in Minnesota, playing in all 48 regular season games and one playoff appearance. In 2012, Dean was one of only 11 special teams players on the NFC’s Pro Bowl ballot. He contributed with 26 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Buffalo Bills

Following his departure from the Minnesota Vikings Dean signed with the Buffalo Bills for the 2014 season. Dean played in 13 games for the Bills in 2014, recording seven tackles.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dean briefly joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not make an appearance for the team.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

After five seasons in the NFL Dean joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his first season in the CFL Dean made an immediate impact. He played in all 18 regular season games, amassing 78 defensive tackles, two sacks and a interception. Over the following two seasons Dean was named a CFL East All-Star in each season contributing with 201 tackles, three quarterback sacks and two interceptions.

Edmonton Eskimos

On the first day of free agency Dean signed with the Edmonton Eskimos.[3] In his lone season in Edmonton Dean once again played in all 18 regular season games recording 86 tackles and one sack. He was the unanimous selection for the team's Most Outstanding Defensive Player.[4]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (II)

On February 11, 2020, Larry Dean and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats agreed to reunite for another season.[5] However the 2020 season was cancelled and Dean was not re-signed by the Tiger-Cats.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

On February 9, 2021, he was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[6] On July 8, 2021, Dean tore his Achilles' tendon in a workout ahead of training camp.[7] He was placed on the injured list on July 14.[8] Dean missed the entire 2021 season because of the injury. Dean was re-signed by the Riders on February 3, 2022.[9] Dean had an outstanding season in 2022, eclipsing 100 defensive tackles for the second time in his career.. He also contributed with three sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. On February 8, 2023, Dean and the Riders agreed on another contract extension.[10]

References
  1. "Vikings might have found a gift in rookie linebacker Larry Dean". twincities.com. August 30, 2011.
  2. "Local resident requests signage honoring Tifton native Dean". tiftongazette.com. 2015-07-24. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
  3. "Former Ticats Unamba, Dean anchor new-look Eskimos defence". CFL.ca. 2019-04-19. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
  4. "CFL announces 2019 team award winners". October 30, 2019.
  5. "Dean of Tigertown: Larry Dean returns to Hamilton". CFL.ca. 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
  6. "Linebacker Larry Dean Joins The Green And White". Saskatchewan Roughriders. February 9, 2021.
  7. Ateyero, Adeoluwa (July 9, 2021). "Saskatchewan Roughriders lose 4 players to injury on same day before training camp begins". CBC.ca. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  8. "2021 CFL Transactions". CFL.ca. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  9. TSN ca Staff (2022-02-03). "Roughriders sign LB Dean to contract extension - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
  10. 3Down Staff (2023-02-07). "Dean of defence: Saskatchewan Roughriders re-sign LB Larry Dean". 3DownNation. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
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