Trey Dean III Bio
Trey Dean III is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Born on February 29, 2000, in Hampton, Georgia, Dean has built a reputation as a versatile defensive back with strong coverage skills and playmaking ability. He played college football for the Florida Gators from 2018 to 2022 before entering professional football as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Throughout his career, Dean has demonstrated the ability to contribute to championship teams at both the NFL and UFL levels, earning recognition as a Super Bowl champion and UFL champion. His journey from a high school prospect in Georgia to a professional football player showcases his persistence and development as an athlete.
Early Life and Background
Trey Dean III grew up in Hampton, Georgia, where he attended Dutchtown High School. During his high school career, Dean developed into a multifaceted defensive player, recording 45 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, ten pass deflections, and one fumble recovery. He also contributed on offense, adding two receptions for 28 yards. These statistics demonstrated his range and football instincts from an early age.
Dean’s performance at Dutchtown High attracted significant attention from major college programs. On December 20, 2017, he made his college commitment, choosing to play for the University of Florida over prominent programs including Alabama and Kentucky. This decision marked the beginning of his collegiate career with the Florida Gators.
College Career at Florida
Dean played five seasons for the Florida Gators from 2018 to 2022, becoming a consistent contributor in the defensive backfield. Over his college career, he accumulated 255 total tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, 18 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. His production and reliability made him a valued member of the Florida defense.
Dean made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording 26 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and five pass deflections. His strong debut season earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, signaling his potential as a future professional player. His best season came in 2021, when he recorded 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and eight pass deflections, showcasing his ability to be a primary defender in the Gators secondary.
Following his standout college career, Dean received an invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, where he competed against top senior prospects. He earned Defensive MVP honors at the Shrine Bowl after intercepting a pass and returning it 16 yards for a significant play. This performance further solidified his draft stock heading into professional football.
Trey Dean III Career
New York Jets (2023)
After not being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dean signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets. He competed for a roster spot during training camp, working to prove himself among the Jets defensive backs. On August 29, 2023, Dean was waived during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad, allowing him to continue developing within the organization. He did not receive a reserve/future contract at the end of the season, making him a free agent.
Kansas City Chiefs (2024)
On January 17, 2024, Dean signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. He joined a defending Super Bowl champion team with established veterans in the secondary. His tenure with the Chiefs proved historic when the team defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, making Dean a Super Bowl champion for the first time in his career. On February 14, 2024, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Kansas City, securing his place on the roster for the following season. He was waived on July 22, 2024.
Cleveland Browns (2024–2025)
On October 9, 2024, Dean joined the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He continued his development as a safety within the Browns defensive system, working to contribute on special teams and defensive packages. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland, indicating the team’s interest in his continued growth. Dean was waived by the Browns on May 12, 2025.
DC Defenders (2025)
On May 21, 2025, Dean signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League. He joined the UFL after his NFL journey, finding an opportunity to contribute as a starting safety for a franchise with championship aspirations. Dean played a key role in the Defenders defense during the 2025 season, helping the team capture the UFL championship. He was released by the DC Defenders on February 23, 2026.
Louisville Kings (2026)
On April 1, 2026, Dean signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League. He joined another UFL franchise seeking to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. Dean was released by the Kings on April 14, 2026.
St. Louis Battlehawks (2026–Present)
On April 21, 2026, Dean signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League. He joined a team with a passionate fan base and strong organizational support, continuing his professional football career in the UFL.
Trey Dean III Career Wins
Dean has accumulated significant championship accomplishments across his professional football career, including victories at the highest levels of both the NFL and UFL. His ability to contribute to winning teams reflects his skills as a defensive player and team contributor.
NFL Highlights
During his time with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 season, Dean was part of the team that won Super Bowl LVIII. The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a closely contested championship game, making Dean a Super Bowl champion. While he was on the practice squad for much of the season, his contribution to the organization during that championship run earned him recognition as an NFL champion.
UFL Highlights
Dean helped the DC Defenders capture the UFL championship during the 2025 season. This victory marked his second championship at the professional level and demonstrated his ability to excel in the spring football league. The UFL championship added to his growing list of career achievements since entering professional football.
Trey Dean III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Football runs in Dean family as he is the cousin of former NFL safety Ahmad Black. Black had a notable professional career in the NFL, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens. This family connection provided Trey with football knowledge and mentorship growing up in Hampton, Georgia, helping him develop his understanding of the game at a young age.
Personal Life
Dean continues to maintain a presence in professional football, playing as a safety for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He remains active on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. His journey through multiple NFL and UFL organizations demonstrates his determination to build a sustained professional career in football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Dean’s professional career as he transitioned to the United Football League with the DC Defenders. After his time with the Cleveland Browns practice squad in late 2024, Dean sought an opportunity for more consistent playing time in the UFL. The DC Defenders provided that platform, and he quickly became an important part of their defensive plans for the season.
Throughout the 2025 UFL season, Dean showcased the coverage skills and instincts he developed during his college career at Florida and his time with NFL organizations. His experience in multiple defensive systems helped him adapt quickly to the Defenders scheme. He played a key safety role, contributing in both coverage and run defense while providing veteran leadership to a relatively young roster.
Dean and the DC Defenders ultimately achieved their championship goals, capturing the UFL title in 2025. This championship win validated his decision to join the spring league and demonstrated that he could be a difference-maker at the professional level. The 2025 season established Dean as a reliable defensive player in the UFL, setting the stage for his continued involvement with St. Louis Battlehawks in 2026.