Dean Windass, a former professional footballer, has disclosed his diagnosis of stage 2 dementia at 54. Having received the news a year ago, Windass described his experience and emphasized taking life “one day at a time.” His announcement coincided with a campaign by former players advocating for funding from the Premier League, FA, and PFA to support former players suffering from dementia and related conditions. Windass highlighted the need for assistance, as many ex-players face significant health challenges after their careers. He remains focused on his after-dinner speaking engagements while raising awareness about the issue.
Dean Windass has revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 2 dementia at the age of 54.
The frequently traveled and prolific former striker told MailSport he was told the shocking news 12 months ago and is now taking things “one day at a time”.
On the day a group of prominent former players launched a campaign calling on the Premier League, FA and PFA to set up a fund to pay for the care of former players as the crisis escalates, the Hull City legend made a dramatic He was active in 2008. The final shot in the play-offs saw the Tigers advance to the Premier League, but he decided to speak out about his situation to raise awareness for the cause.
“As a former player, I was asked if I was prepared to be tested,” Windass explained. “I panicked a bit because I was told it would take a few weeks for my results to come back, but then I got a text message asking me to do a Zoom call.
“The conversation I had was that there was nothing to worry about at this stage, but the tests revealed that I had mild grade 2 dementia. I immediately thought, ‘Oh, no. I thought, “Dammit, what does that mean?”
A year on, Windass, who scored 141 goals in a nearly 20-year career with clubs including Aberdeen, Middlesbrough and Bradford City, admitted he still struggles to process the information.
Former professional soccer player Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia.
A prolific striker during his playing days, Windass is best known for his stunning volley in Hull City’s 2008 Championship play-off final against Bristol City.
Windass joked, “I’m glad the brain was found,” but he also conveyed a serious message.
“I can’t remember exactly what was said,” he explained. “I don’t know how it’s going to affect my life for the next few years. I forget the name. I’m 55 now, so maybe it’s just aging.
“They told me there was nothing to worry about at this stage and, you know, I laughed and joked. I told them I was happy they found a brain there and that was a plus. Ta.”
Windass, whose son Josh played for Sheffield Wednesday and whose other son Jordan played for Oldham and Darlington, said he was taking things “one day at a time”.
Additionally, “They said I had ‘mild grade 2 dementia.’ I’m not a scientist so I don’t know the answer to what this will be. It worries me, and there are people I can see if I start feeling different or start having headaches. I’m a little naive about everything. Later a woman came to my house and did some tests and I was upset because I couldn’t get tested. ”
Windass, who scored his last Premier League goal at the age of 39, officially announced his retirement on October 19, 2009, and was diagnosed less than 15 years after his retirement.
His immediate focus is maintaining his post-playing career. “My job is as an after-dinner speaker,” he explained. “In the last 15 years, I’ve never had a problem where I forgot something to say.
“I remember Frank Worthington once telling the same story in an after-dinner speech. If it affects my job, that’s a problem, but I hope it doesn’t.”
He doesn’t think too far into the future. “You never know what’s going to be around the corner,” he said. “I live hand to mouth. I forget people’s names, but is it just because I’m getting older?
The former striker (left) says he is taking things ‘one day at a time’ following his diagnosis.
Windass is famous for scoring the goal that secured Hull City promotion to the top flight in 2008.
Windass’ diagnosis was initially relayed with his permission by former Manchester United defender David May on BBC Breakfast this morning.
He is joined by Mail Sport columnist Chris Sutton, campaigner John Stiles, son of World Cup winner Nobby, and the mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham. He said he was coming forward in support of Football Families for Justice, an organization supported by the United Nations.
They are expected to propose amendments to the Football Governance Bill in the spring, effectively giving football authorities funding for care home costs for footballers who are more than 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases than the general public. The content is mandatory.
At the Manchester recital, a video of David Beckham’s support was shown. “We have to help these families,” Windass said. “If things get worse for me, it’s unfair to my family. Like the people who died at home, they need funding and the PFA needs to support these people.
“I hope that doesn’t happen to me, but if it does they need help. These houses are expensive. We are asking the Premier League and the PFA to intervene.”
Windass has no doubts about what led to his diagnosis. “I’ve been coaching football for work,” he said. “In training, not in matches. Crossing and finishing drills. They asked me how many headers I’ve taken in 20 years. Bloody hell! Thousands and thousands of times. If I get any worse If you do, I would like to be taken care of if possible.”
In Manchester, Beckham told a number of former pros, including Peter Reid, Jim Beglin and Gary McAllister, that he supported the campaign. Beckham said: “As a young player at Manchester United, it was a privilege to be mentored and coached by the likes of (former coach) Eric Harrison, Nobby Stiles and my father’s hero Sir Bobby Charlton. ” he said.
“All three, like thousands of former players, died from neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. I would like to thank John Stiles and Football Families in their campaign to meet the needs of those affected.・I would like to further support the activities of For Justice.
Windass hopes the diagnosis doesn’t affect her career as an after-dinner speaker.
A message of support from David Beckham was unveiled at the recital in Manchester.
“We need our football family to come together and allocate resources to address the tragedy of these devastating diseases. We must ensure that victims and their families are treated with kindness, respect and the utmost support. Sho.
“For our former colleagues, many former professional football players who brought so much joy to so many fans and their loved ones, we hope you will join us in securing a better future. I hope it works for you.”
Sutton’s video was also played at the event. “My dad Mike passed away four years ago,” the former Celtic, Blackburn and Norwich player explained. “He died from heading a football.
“He had dementia and suffered terribly in the end. It was very upsetting for all of our family. I send this message on behalf of all other players’ families and former players who continue to suffer due to the lack of support from the football authorities.
“Let’s hope that the support this group is gaining will actually start to change the situation, as there has been a total lack of response from the football authorities. We will not hold our breath, but we hope that former players and their families will It’s a shame that they won’t be able to get the support they deserve from ‘
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotherham, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, hosted the event, which heard evidence from former players, their families, MPs, medical professionals and campaigners.
Stiles described the situation as an “iceberg.” “There are 55,000 former players and the PFA expects 16,000 of them to develop dementia. This is an epidemic.”
