This week in Northwest Louisiana history.
Fred Dean, born in Arcadia on February 24, 1952.
Fred Dean was born in Arcadia, Louisiana, on February 24, 1952. He played college football at Louisiana Tech and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 1975. Dean became a key player on the Chargers’ defensive line, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. In 1981, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he won two Super Bowls. Known for his pass-rushing skills, Dean was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1981. He ended his NFL career with 92 sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Dean was also a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. After retiring, he became a minister. Fred Dean passed away on October 14, 2020, from complications of COVID-19.
