Dean Windass is a former professional footballer, he scored 64 goals in 205 games for Hull City. He scored the goal that sent them to the Premier League for the first time in their history. Despite his success on the pitch, Dean battled depression and alcohol addiction for a time. He attempted suicide twice but has since rebuilt himself to be a powerful speaker and mental health advocate.
His recovery from such lows and subsequent mental health campaigns have brought him renewed recognition and fame outside of his success as a footballer. As a speaker; he is a candid, inspiring storyteller and is regularly booked to speak at corporate events.
His early career started with a traineeship at Hull City, he initially did not make the grade as a youngster and was released. He had trials at other clubs, worked hard and eventually he was brought back to Hull City in 1991 at the age of 22. He went on to score 64 goals in 205 games becoming a fan favourite. He was voted the fourth-best player in the clubs' 100-year history. Dean was sold for what was at the time a club record £700,000 to Aberdeen. He then moved on to Oxford, scoring 15 goals in 33 league games. Afterwards, he played for Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United before returning to Bradford City and then back to Hull.
After his retirement from football and following the death of his father, he experienced depression, anxiety, insomnia and made two attempts to take his own life. He describes hitting a real low point after football and felt as though he had nothing to get up for in the morning. He has since rebuilt his life and spends his time encouraging others to believe in themselves, create good habits and make their lives their own.
Dean Windass is a fascinating and powerful speaker, he commands the audience attention and is masterful in his delivery. He shares hilarious stories from his playing days and can talk in-depth about his struggles with and recovery from depression. He is a huge advocate for positive thinking, a natural in front of a crowd and sure to be an audience favourite wherever he is booked.
