The NFL linebacker for the Eagles, Nakobe Dean, doesn’t limit himself to the fields! Continually involving himself in community service to assist military veterans, he learned the trait to give back and practice humility from his parents, Neketta and Byron Dean. Drafted in 2022 by the Eagles, he also not only excelled in athletics but has maintained a solid academic record as well. Securing a 3.55 GPA as he studied mechanical engineering at the University of Georgia, he aspired to design prosthetics, taking inspiration from his mom’s visits to VA hospitals.

Even in athletics, his records are phenomenal. Winning the 2021 Butkus Award, and leading Georgia to 2the 022 National Championship, he is now a key player on the Eagles roster. And, for whatever he has achieved so far, he never fails to credit his parents for it!

Who are Nakobe Dean’s parents?

Nakobe Dean’s parents, Neketta Dean and Byron Dean are U.S. military veterans. His mom, Neketta, has elaborately served in the U.S. Army for eight years, i.e., three years in active duty, while in the reserve for five years. Being a Gulf War veteran, she was involved in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm circa 1990 to 1991. And, with this, she has strictly set disciplinary boundaries for Nakobe since the early days, blending with her maternal love.

As Dean was brought up by his mom in a single-parent household in Horn Lake, Mississippi, she taught him to address his elders as ‘yes, sir‘ and ‘yes, ma’am.’ And, moreover, she taught Nakobe to indulge in kindness, as highlighted in The Philadelphia Inquirer article published in 2022, “What comes from the heart reaches the heart.” That’s inspiring.

On the other hand, not much is known about his father Byron Dean. But, he is also a military veteran doctor. In fact, even Nakobe once believed that he would become a doctor, following his parents’ trajectory. However, his destiny had some other plans for him.

How has Dean’s army background shaped his NFL career?

Even though Nakobe did not join the military like his parents, it has deeply influenced his ethics. As his mom served as the Director of Community Affairs in Tunica County, Mississippi, Nakobe used to accompany her and volunteer with supreme enthusiasm. He helped her in assisting disabled veterans on their visits to Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.

In 2022, Dean reflected on his experiences, saying, “How will I be able to help them? How can I have a fraction of the courage that they displayed?” And, taking inspiration from their collective courage, it built his drive to achieve something big, bringing him to the NFL field.

Dean continues to participate in initiatives to help military families, as he visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in October 2023. He further stated, “Knowing my parents’ past, it is important for me to give back to the men and women who serve this country.” With this, he has balanced his life ambitions with his drive to give back to the community.

In fact, he even remarked once that even if he didn’t have the platform of professional football, he would still find ways to give back to the community. With this mindset, influenced by his parents, he has made a solid professional football career, without forgetting that he is a part of the larger society, wherein it is his duty to help them in any capacity possible, a humble lesson for us all!