Hull City 'legend' Dean Windass to receive honorary degree
The ex-Hull, Bradford and Middlesbrough striker says the Hull University degree is a "huge honour".
www.bbc.comHere are the latest publicly reported updates about Dean Windass.
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Early 2025 reports confirmed that former Hull City and Bradford City striker Dean Windass was diagnosed with stage two dementia. The news was first revealed by a former teammate on UK TV and was later discussed publicly by Windass on social media, including a video post in which he remained hopeful and encouraged others to seek help. The coverage highlighted Windass’s emphasis on staying positive and continuing his public-facing roles, such as after-dinner speaking, despite the diagnosis.[1][2][4]
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In mid-2025, Windass was the subject of media attention around an honorary degree from the University of Hull, described as a huge honour and tied to his contributions to sport and his community. The coverage noted that Windass publicly discussed his dementia diagnosis in conjunction with receiving the degree, underscoring his ongoing involvement with football and community work.[3][5]
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By July 2025, BBC coverage reiterated the honorary degree and Windass’s dementia diagnosis, emphasizing the recognition of his career and his openness about health issues to encourage others to seek medical screening and support.[7][3]
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There were later references to Windass telling graduates to “live your dream,” in connection with the honorary degree, reinforcing the public narrative of Windass as a community figure and advocate for sport and education, even while facing health challenges.[5][7]
Notes and context:
- Windass remains a celebrated figure in Hull City’s history, known for his key role in promoting the club to the Premier League in 2008 and for an extensive playing career across several clubs.[6][1]
- Coverage in early 2025 focused on the dementia diagnosis and Windass’s resilience, while mid-2025 coverage highlighted the honorary degree and Windass’s ongoing public engagements.[2][3][5]
- Some sources emphasize his public statements and social media activity as he navigates the diagnosis, including posts about staying positive and encouraging others to seek support.[9][1][2]
If you’d like, I can summarize these developments in a concise timeline or pull quotes from specific articles to illustrate how the story evolved over 2025.