Football legend Dean Windass has bravely opened up about his struggles with dementia and shared an emotional message to his son, Wrexham star Josh Windass. ⚽💔
Dean, famous for that unforgettable volley for Hull City in 2008 that sent his team to the Premier League, received the devastating diagnosis of stage two dementia last year. He believes years of heading footballs may have contributed to his condition, and he’s now advocating for fewer heading drills in training to protect future players.
Beyond the pitch, Dean faces another challenge: reconnecting with his son, Josh. The two have had a strained relationship, and Dean’s heartache comes not only from his diagnosis but also from not having shared it with his sons earlier, fearing he would worry them. As a result, they lost touch, and the silence is taking a toll on the former striker’s heart.
Taking to social media, Dean made a public plea, asking Josh to reach out: “Josh, please ring me. Life’s too short,” he shared, hoping to bridge the gap between them. Despite the distance, Dean is immensely proud of Josh’s achievements on the field with Wrexham, where he’s become a key player, netting 15 goals in 41 league games last season.
Dean’s candid reflections and heartfelt message highlight the importance of family and creating awareness around the impacts of sports on health. Let’s hope this story inspires not just a reconnection between father and son but also sparks conversations about better safety measures in football. 💬⚽
Thoughts and wishes are with Dean and his family during this difficult time. ❤️