Trey Dean III Bio
Trey Dean III (born February 29, 2000) is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 ft 2 in and weighing 201 lb, he has built a career defined by versatility, resilience, and a steady climb from undrafted free agent to championship contributor. He was listed on the DC Defenders roster earlier in his UFL career before joining the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Born and raised in Hampton, Georgia, Dean emerged as a high-level defensive talent at Dutchtown High School before going on to play five seasons of college football for the Florida Gators. Across the NFL and the UFL, he has spent time with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, DC Defenders, Louisville Kings, and St. Louis Battlehawks, earning a Super Bowl championship and a UFL championship along the way.
Early Life and Background
Trey Dean III grew up in Hampton, Georgia, a community southeast of Atlanta, and attended Dutchtown High School. As a young athlete, he developed the instincts and physicality that would later define his game as a defensive back. His high school résumé reflects a well-rounded contributor on both sides of the ball, suggesting an early foundation built on discipline and football intelligence.
During his high school career, Dean recorded 45 tackles, one of which went for a loss, along with four interceptions, ten pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. On offense, he added two receptions for 28 yards, demonstrating his ball skills and willingness to contribute wherever his team needed him. On December 20, 2017, he committed to play college football at the University of Florida, choosing the Gators over several other top programs, including Alabama and Kentucky.
Path to American Football
Dean’s path to professional American football began in earnest at the University of Florida, where he enrolled as part of the 2018 recruiting class. He spent five seasons working his way through the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and sharpening his craft as a safety. The combination of size, range, and physicality he displayed at Dutchtown translated quickly to the college level, allowing him to carve out a meaningful role as a freshman.
By the time he finished his college career, Dean had accumulated 255 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, 18 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. His production and consistency earned him an invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named defensive MVP after intercepting a pass and returning it 16 yards. That performance, even without a draft selection, helped him secure an opportunity in the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Trey Dean III Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Dean’s early career unfolded at the University of Florida, where he became a fixture in the Gators’ secondary. As a freshman, he posted 26 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and five pass deflections. His work that season was strong enough to earn him a place on the SEC All-Freshman Team, a notable honor in the most competitive conference in college football.
He continued to develop in subsequent seasons, with his most productive college year coming in 2021. That season, he tallied 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and eight pass deflections. Following the 2022 season, his selection to the East-West Shrine Bowl and his MVP performance served as a springboard into the professional ranks, even though he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.
New York Jets Era (2023)
After going undrafted in 2023, Trey Dean III signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot through training camp and the preseason, ultimately being waived on August 29, 2023. The Jets promptly re-signed him to their practice squad, where he continued to develop and wait for his opportunity.
His time in New York proved to be brief but formative. After the season concluded, Dean was not signed to a reserve/future contract, meaning his practice squad deal expired and he became a free agent. The experience, however, positioned him to join a championship organization for the stretch run of the 2023 season.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2023–2024)
On January 17, 2024, Trey Dean III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, joining the team at a pivotal point in their season. Although he did not appear on the active roster for the postseason, he was part of the Chiefs organization when they defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. As a result, he earned his first Super Bowl championship ring.
Following the victory, Dean signed a reserve/futures contract with Kansas City on February 14, locking in a chance to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. That opportunity, however, was cut short when he was waived on July 22. Still, his championship experience and exposure to one of the NFL’s most successful programs added valuable seasoning to his résumé.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024–2025)
Dean found his next opportunity on October 9, 2024, when he signed with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. He continued to work toward a return to an active NFL roster, contributing to the Browns’ preparations week by week. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland, signaling that the organization valued his development and wanted him in the mix for the upcoming season.
That offseason, however, took another turn when Dean was waived by the Browns on May 12. The release opened the door for a transition to spring professional football and a new opportunity to compete for a championship at the UFL level.
DC Defenders Era (2025)
On May 21, 2025, Trey Dean III signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. With the Defenders, he was part of a defensive unit that competed for a UFL title, ultimately helping the team capture the 2025 UFL championship. The experience allowed him to step into a more consistent on-field role than he had enjoyed in the NFL.
His time with the Defenders, however, was short-lived. On February 23, 2026, Dean was released by the organization, ending a productive but brief UFL stint. Even so, the UFL championship added a second professional title to his résumé and reinforced his standing as a talented, team-first safety.
St. Louis Battlehawks Era (2026–Present)
On April 21, 2026, Trey Dean III signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League, his current team. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for playing time and to contribute to a defense in need of experienced playmakers. His track record of producing in both the SEC and the UFL made him a logical addition for the Battlehawks.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a safety, Trey Dean III brings a combination of size, range, and physicality that allows him to operate effectively near the line of scrimmage and in coverage. His college production, including 4.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, underscores his willingness to play the run and pressure the passer. His ball skills are equally notable, as evidenced by four career interceptions and 18 pass deflections, giving him the ability to impact the passing game in multiple ways.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining milestone in Trey Dean III’s career came when he won Super Bowl LVIII as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. He added a UFL championship in 2025 with the DC Defenders, becoming a two-time professional title holder. His MVP performance at the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl also stands out as a breakthrough moment that helped launch his professional journey.
Trey Dean III Career Wins
Trey Dean III has compiled a résumé defined more by perseverance and championships than by a long list of statistical accolades. Across his professional career, he has earned two major team titles: a Super Bowl championship with the Kansas City Chiefs and a UFL championship with the DC Defenders. Together, those achievements reflect a player who has consistently found ways to contribute to winning programs.
UFL Highlights
Dean joined the DC Defenders in May 2025 and quickly became part of a championship defense. The Defenders won the 2025 UFL championship, giving Dean a second professional title and a prominent role in a high-level spring football league. His release from the team in February 2026 ended that chapter, but the championship cemented his standing as a proven UFL contributor.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his UFL championship, Dean earned Super Bowl honors as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2023 season. He was also named the defensive MVP of the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl after intercepting a pass and returning it 16 yards, a performance that helped him secure his first NFL opportunity with the New York Jets.
Trey Dean III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Trey Dean III is the cousin of former NFL safety Ahmad Black, a connection that places him within a family familiar with the demands and expectations of professional football. That family tie to the sport likely contributed to his early understanding of defensive fundamentals and his long-term commitment to the game.
Personal Life
Dean was born and raised in Hampton, Georgia, and remains closely tied to his hometown community. He attended Dutchtown High School before continuing his football career at the University of Florida. Public details about his personal relationships are limited, and he tends to keep his private life out of the spotlight as he focuses on his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Trey Dean III’s 2025 season marked his transition into the United Football League, where he signed with the DC Defenders on May 21, 2025. The move followed a series of practice-squad stints in the NFL and represented a fresh opportunity to play meaningful snaps on a weekly basis. With the Defenders, he was a regular contributor in the secondary and helped anchor a defense built to compete for a UFL title.
The Defenders ultimately won the 2025 UFL championship, giving Dean his second professional title after his earlier Super Bowl experience with the Kansas City Chiefs. The championship run underscored his value as a versatile safety capable of handling both run-support duties and coverage responsibilities. His familiarity with multiple defensive schemes, developed across college and the NFL, allowed him to fit quickly into the UFL system.
Despite the championship success, Dean’s time with the Defenders ended when the team released him on February 23, 2026. That development led to brief stints with the Louisville Kings and the St. Louis Battlehawks as he continued to pursue his professional career. Looking ahead, his championship experience and proven defensive skill set position him as a reliable option for UFL teams in need of experienced safety play.