Early years

Dean attended Warren Mott High School. He began his college career at Coffeyville Community College as an offensive tackle in 1980. He was on the same team as future Heisman Trophy winner, Mike Rozier.

He transferred to the University of Tulsa, where he was an offensive lineman as a junior and was converted to the defensive line in his senior season, registering 78 tackles (40 solo). He was a backup in both years.

Professional career

Washington Redskins

Hamel was selected in the 12th round (309th overall) of the 1985 NFL draft, even though he wasn't a starter in college. As a rookie, he was given the nickname tazmanian devil and was named the starter for the last eight games of the season, while registering 67 tackles, 6 sacks and receiving NFL All-Rookie honors. His highlight play was a safety against Joe Montana.

The next season he also started 8 games, before returning to a backup role for the next two years, playing mainly on special teams and in short-yardage situations. He was a member of the Redskins Super Bowl XXII Championship team.

In 1989, he was chosen to replace the retired Dave Butz at left defensive tackle, but walked out of training camp after a poor game against the Buffalo Bills, threatening to retire. After the incident, head coach Joe Gibbs refused to allow him to return and traded him to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fifth round draft choice (#110-Junior Robinson).

Dallas Cowboys

After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, he was named the starter at left defensive tackle for two seasons and became known as a stout run defender. In June 1991, he injured his back while weightlifting and never fully recovered. The Cowboys placed him on the injured reserve list and released him after a couple of weeks.

Personal life

Hamel resides in Lenoir, North Carolina and works in a plant in the area. He has 3 children, the oldest being Megan Eadus, Melanie Overton and Dylan Hamel who is currently signed to play with ASU baseball

[ Source: Wikipedia ]