Dante Stills Bio
Dante Stills is an American professional football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 14, 1999, in Fairmont, West Virginia, he played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers before being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds, Stills has quickly developed into a reliable rotational piece on the Cardinals defensive line.
Early Life and Background
Dante Stills was born on December 14, 1999, in Fairmont, West Virginia. He grew up in a family with deep ties to the sport of football, with multiple relatives having played at the highest levels of the game. His upbringing in West Virginia, a state with a strong football culture, helped shape his early interest in the defensive side of the sport.
Stills attended Fairmont Senior High School in Fairmont, West Virginia, where he developed into a promising defensive prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him one of the more intriguing recruits in the region. Coming from a family with an established football pedigree, he entered the college ranks with expectations and a clear roadmap for his development as a player.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Fairmont Senior High School, Stills committed to West Virginia University, joining a program with strong defensive line traditions. His decision to play for the Mountaineers allowed him to continue his development near home while honoring a family tradition of wearing the Old Gold and Blue. The college environment provided him with the resources, coaching, and competition needed to refine his craft as a defensive lineman.
Stills made an immediate impact upon arriving in Morgantown, debuting as a true freshman in 2018 against Tennessee. By the end of that first season, he had posted 16 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, the latter tying him for the team lead. His performance earned him Freshman All-American recognition from The Athletic and ESPN, signaling his arrival as one of the conference’s most promising young defenders.
Dante Stills Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Stills continued to progress throughout his early years at West Virginia, building on his strong freshman campaign. In 2019, he played 12 games and recorded 24 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup, earning Second Team All-Big 12 Conference honors for his efforts. His versatility and consistency helped him become a fixture along the Mountaineers’ defensive front.
The shortened 2020 season provided Stills with an opportunity to take on a larger leadership role. He started all 10 games that year, finishing with 35 tackles, one fumble recovery, a blocked kick, and two pass breakups. His strong play was recognized with All-Big 12 Conference First Team honors from Pro Football Focus and Phil Steele, as well as Second Team recognition from the Associated Press. He also earned a Pro Football Focus All-American honorable mention.
West Virginia Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Following the 2020 season, Stills made the decision to return to West Virginia for an additional year in 2021 rather than enter the NFL Draft. He was also named a preseason All-American, reflecting his status as one of the top defensive linemen in college football. His experience and production made him a central figure in the Mountaineers’ defensive game plan during his senior campaign.
Across his full college career with West Virginia, Stills developed into a complete defensive end, demonstrating the ability to stop the run, rush the passer, and contribute in coverage situations. In 2022, he was named First-team All-Big 12, capping his collegiate career with one of the conference’s highest individual honors. His combination of production, leadership, and pedigree positioned him as a prospect to watch heading into the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
Stills was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round with the 213th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He quickly carved out a role for himself as a rookie, playing in 15 games with eight starts and recording 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His ability to contribute immediately made him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ defensive rotation.
Through the early portion of his professional career, Stills has continued to develop within the Arizona system. He has been active on the defensive line, contributing against both the run and the pass, and has shown steady improvement from his rookie season. As he continues to refine his technique and add strength, he remains a key piece of the Cardinals’ defensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stills is known for his combination of size, length, and motor, allowing him to hold up against the run while also generating pressure on the quarterback. His college production, including multiple seasons of significant tackle and disruption totals, reflects a player with a well-rounded skill set. As he gains more experience in the NFL, his professional growth suggests continued development as a complete defensive end.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Stills’ career came during his freshman season at West Virginia, when he earned Freshman All-American honors from The Athletic and ESPN. His selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and his immediate impact as a rookie, including 15 games played and 3.5 sacks, marked another significant milestone in his professional journey.
Dante Stills Career Wins
Throughout his career, Dante Stills has been recognized for his consistent production and individual honors at both the collegiate and professional levels. While team championship success has been limited, his individual accolades highlight his value as a defensive contributor. His career trajectory from Freshman All-American to NFL defensive end reflects steady, sustained excellence.
West Virginia Highlights
During his time with the West Virginia Mountaineers, Stills earned multiple conference honors, including Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2019 and First Team All-Big 12 recognition in 2022. He also received First Team All-Big 12 accolades from Pro Football Focus in 2020 and a Pro Football Focus All-American honorable mention. His freshman honors from The Athletic and ESPN further underscored his consistent production across his college career.
Dante Stills Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Dante Stills comes from one of the most football-passionate families in West Virginia. His father, Gary Stills, starred at West Virginia and played in the NFL for 10 years, giving Dante an early and direct connection to the professional game. His brother, Darius Stills, played alongside him on the Mountaineers’ defensive line, and the family football tradition extends even further, with his uncle, Ken Stills, and cousin, Kenny Stills, also having played in the NFL.
Personal Life
Stills grew up surrounded by the game of football, with multiple family members having competed at the highest levels of the sport. His close relationship with his brother Darius during their time together at West Virginia remains one of the most notable personal storylines of his career. The Stills family legacy continues to influence his approach to the game, both on and off the field.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Dante Stills continues to develop as a member of the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line. After a productive rookie campaign that saw him play 15 games and record 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks, he is expected to take on a larger role within the team’s defensive scheme. His combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence positions him well for continued growth.
As the Cardinals look to build on their defensive foundation, Stills’ progression will be a key storyline to watch. His ability to contribute against both the run and the pass, paired with his continued physical development, suggests he has the tools to become a more impactful player in 2025. Consistency and health will be important factors as he aims to expand his role within the rotation.
With a clear path forward and a family legacy in the sport to honor, Dante Stills enters the 2025 season focused on building on the foundation established during his first NFL years. His trajectory points toward a future in which he could become a more prominent contributor for the Arizona Cardinals in the seasons ahead.