Nakobe Rashod Dean (born December 13, 2000) is a talented American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his exceptional leadership and defensive prowess, Dean first gained national recognition during his collegiate career at the University of Georgia, where he was pivotal in leading his team to a 2021 National Championship. With accolades such as the Butkus Award and a promising NFL career, Nakobe Dean is one of the league’s rising stars.
In this article, we delve into Nakobe Dean’s age, height, career journey, personal life, net worth, and lesser-known facts.
Nakobe Dean Short Details
| Full Name | Nakobe Rashod Dean |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Horn Lake, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 231 lb (105 kg) |
| Position | Linebacker |
| College | University of Georgia (2019–2021) |
| NFL Team | Philadelphia Eagles (2022–present) |
| NFL Draft | 2022 / Round: 3 / Pick: 83 |
| Accolades | Butkus Award (2021), CFP National Champion (2021) |
Early Life and Education
Nakobe Dean was born in Horn Lake, Mississippi, where he grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, Neketta Dean, and his siblings, Nikolas and Brooklyn. His mother, a U.S. military veteran and community leader, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and service.
Dean excelled academically and athletically while attending Horn Lake High School, where he played football and earned recognition as a five-star recruit. He was awarded the High School Butkus Award, cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s top young linebackers. Dean later committed to playing college football at the University of Georgia, choosing the Bulldogs over offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama and Ole Miss.
College Career
At Georgia, Dean quickly became a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defense. Despite injuries during his freshman year, he recorded 25 tackles and showcased his potential. His breakout season came in 2021:
- 2021 Butkus Award Winner: Given annually to the best linebacker in college football.
- Team Leader: Dean led the Bulldogs to a National Championship victory in the 2022 College Football Playoff, solidifying his status as a future NFL star.
- Key Statistics: During his college career, he amassed 168 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 39 games.
After an impressive junior year, Dean declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Professional Career
2022 NFL Draft
Dean was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, a surprising drop attributed to concerns about his size and an unaddressed pectoral injury.
Philadelphia Eagles (2022–Present)
Dean made an immediate impact in his rookie season, primarily contributing on special teams. His highlight moment came when the Eagles reached Super Bowl LVII, where they narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dean was named the starting middle linebacker for the Eagles in the 2023 season but faced setbacks due to a foot injury and a Lisfranc injury, limiting his playtime. Despite these challenges, he returned stronger in 2024, delivering a stellar performance with:
- 80 solo tackles
- 3 sacks
- 1 interception, including a game-winning play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9.
Dean’s remarkable performance has solidified his place as one of the key players on the Eagles’ defense.
Personal Life
Nakobe Dean is more than just an athlete. A member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Dean is passionate about education and community service:
- Education: Dean majored in mechanical engineering at Georgia, maintaining a 3.55 GPA. He aims to work in prosthetics and pre-med after his football career.
- Community Service: Dean’s commitment to philanthropy began in college, where he used NIL opportunities to sponsor tickets for children, fund WiFi hotspots, and support local shelters.
- Family: Raised by his mother, Neketta, Dean shares a close bond with his siblings. His brother, Nikolas, played tight end at Ole Miss.
Net Worth and Earnings
Nakobe Dean’s net worth is estimated at $4–5 million as of 2025, attributed to his NFL contract, endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
| Net Worth (2025) | $4–5 million |
|---|---|
| Primary Income | NFL Salary |
| Other Sources | Endorsements and sponsorships |
Dean signed a rookie contract with the Eagles in 2022, which included guaranteed earnings and performance incentives.
Physical Appearance
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 231 lb (105 kg) |
| Arm Length | 31 7⁄8 in |
| Hand Span | 9 1⁄8 in |
Lesser-Known Facts
- Engineering Aspirations: Dean studied mechanical engineering and aims to design prosthetics for veterans.
- Community Leader: He co-founded the “Dawgs for Pups” program to help underprivileged children in Georgia.
- High School Star: Dean won the High School Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
- Academic Excellence: Dean maintained a 3.55 GPA at Georgia.
- Super Bowl Appearance: Dean was part of the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl team.
- First NFL Interception: Dean’s first career interception came in 2024 against the Jaguars.
- Philanthropy: Dean often donates his time and resources to children’s charities and local shelters.
- Brotherly Bond: His older brother, Nikolas, played football at Ole Miss.
- Music Enthusiast: Dean’s favorite artists include Rod Wave and Kevin Gates.
- NFL Combine Injury: Despite an injury during the combine, Dean proved doubters wrong with his NFL performance.
FAQs
- Q: What is Nakobe Dean’s age?
A: Nakobe Dean is 24 years old (born December 13, 2000). - Q: What position does Nakobe Dean play?
A: Dean is a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. - Q: What college did Nakobe Dean attend?
A: He attended the University of Georgia. - Q: What is Nakobe Dean’s net worth?
A: As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $4–5 million. - Q: Has Nakobe Dean won a Super Bowl?
A: No, but he played in Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles. - Q: What awards has Nakobe Dean won?
A: Dean won the 2021 Butkus Award and was part of Georgia’s 2021 National Championship team. - Q: What is Nakobe Dean’s major?
A: He majored in mechanical engineering at Georgia.
Conclusion
Nakobe Dean has made a significant impact on and off the field, combining his football talent with academic excellence and community service. As he continues his NFL career, Dean remains a role model for aspiring athletes and a key contributor to the Philadelphia Eagles.
This article is based on publicly available information and aims to provide an informative overview of Nakobe Dean’s life and career.
