Jamel Dean

Jamel Dean's Biography

Jamel Dean, born on October 15, 1996, is well-known in the sporting world as a professional American football cornerback, currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). An alumnus of Auburn, he transferred there in May 2015 following a semester at Ohio State where medical disqualification cast a cloud over his future.

While at Auburn, his performance was outstanding, drawing the attention of both followers of the game and pundits. Following his sophomore year at Auburn, Dean had racked up 43 tackles and an impressive eight pass breakups. This performance earned him a spot on renowned journalist Bruce Feldman’s ‘College football freaks’ list, an annual tribute to the best college football athletes.

In a surprise move on December 29, 2018, Dean forwent his final academic year eligibility, announcing his intentions to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. The decision would prove significant in shaping his future career. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recognizing his potential and raw talent, would go on to select Dean in the third round as the 94th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Dean’s regular-season debut came during a Week 9 face-off against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the 40-34 loss, Dean managed to record a commendable six tackles and four pass deflections, catching the attention of fans and critics alike.

In Week 10’s match against the Arizona Cardinals, Dean shone, notching up four pass deflections and intercepting his first career pass off his fellow rookie, Kyler Murray. This performance contributed significantly to the Buccaneers’ 30-27 win. In Week 12, against the Atlanta Falcons, Dean continued his excellent performance, recording five pass deflections in the Buccaneers’ 35-22 win.

The climax of his rookie season came in Week 16, during a 23-20 loss against the Houston Texans, where Dean had one tackle, one pass deflection, and made a crucial interception off Deshaun Watson. Dean finished his rookie season with an impressive 21 tackles, 17 pass deflections, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

In 2020, playing against the Green Bay Packers, Dean notched his first interception of the season and his first career pick-six and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown in the Buccaneers’ 38-10 win. This remarkable feat also made him just the third player ever to record a pick-six off Aaron Rodgers, joining Tanard Jackson and William Jackson III in this accomplishment. In 2020, in the 14 games he played, Dean finished with 62 total tackles, one interception, and seven passes defended.

Dean played a significant role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ triumphant Super Bowl LV campaign, making appearances in all four playoff games leading up to the win. In recognition of his performance, on March 15, 2023, Dean was rewarded with a whopping four-year contract extension with the Buccaneers, amounting to $52 million.

With a bright future promising numerous exciting feats, Jamel Dean’s name is one that will likely remain significant in the annals of professional American football.