Dean Windass has told new graduates to “go live your dream” after he received an honorary degree from the University of Hull.
The former Premier League and EFL footballer, recently diagnosed with stage two dementia and ADHD, received an honorary degree from the University of Hull for his significant contributions to sport.
During his acceptance speech at Connexin Live arena, the 56 year old shared his journey from rejection at 18 to scoring a historic goal for Hull City’s Premier League promotion in 2008.
He urged graduates to “go live your dream,” emphasising hard work, sacrifice, and resilience.
Windass also thanked his fiancée, Kerry Allanson, for her support and vowed to be a good husband as they plan to marry next year.
Speech 📜🎓⚽️ pic.twitter.com/KNhlvc4tfQ
— Dean Windass (@DWindass10) July 17, 2025
University of Hull wrote on their website: “A name etched into Hull City’s history books, Dean Windass secured the club’s historic promotion to the Premier League with his unforgettable winning goal at Wembley in 2008.
“Across a two-decade career and 700 professional appearances, Windass became known not just for his performance on the pitch but for his courage off it, speaking publicly about mental health and supporting campaigns around dementia in football.
“His story is one of resilience, loyalty, and enduring community pride.”
In his speech, Dean Windass said: “To get this is a huge honour. I’m an emotional person anyway, and I know my family and friends will be there to watch me pick up the award, so I’m sure there’ll be a few tears.”
“This is to all of you. I can’t believe I’m still here.
“I’ve been called a lot of things in my life, but not a doctor.
“Well, just my journey, I need to get an insight to my life as quick as I can. I wanna go out here as quick as I can.
“Growing up in Hull, was my dream to play at Hull City, as a young boy, at the age of 18, I got told by a man called Brian Horton that I wasn’t good enough.
“That was too small. I would never make it to be a professional footballer.
“And my dad who is no longer with me now obviously said to me, go through Brian wrong.
“And ironically, I got in a break when I was just before my 20 birthday with a manager called Terry Gordon back at Hull City and he gave me that chance.
“I worked on a building site and played normally football and I didn’t wanna go back to that building site.
“And that’s what spurred me on for twenty years of football, playing in the Premier League, playing the Championship, incredible journey.
“And the moral of the story is, you know, I’ve said it to the graduates, the people in the room, you know, go live and dream.
“Hard work, sacrifice, turn up every day, try your hardest, respect your coaches, your teachers, whoever you’re dealing with, because that’s all I want to do as a footballer.
“Yes. It’s been a journey. Yes. It’s been tough, but I would never change anything in my football career.
“To prove Brian wrong, who is a very good friend of mine now. Obviously, ironically, when I scored the goal at Wembley at 2008, he was my assistant manager.
“And I got the man of the match trophy. I don’t know why because I weren’t very good. I think it was because of the goal, but I offered him that trophy to say, thank you, cause he probably wouldn’t have released me at the age of 18.
“I would have done what I achieved in in football. And he declined and said, no. It’s for you. Ironically, he said he’d prove me wrong.
“But all I tried to do is my football, three ladies and gentlemen and children is to to prove people wrong. I’ve made mistakes, of course, we all do, and I owe my mistakes.
“But for another chapter in my life now, that I’m honoured for this award. But just to finish off, just say a few thank yous, to my friends and my family.
“Promise I’ll not cry. Friends of my family who stood by me over the years. My Mum is in the audience. I just wanna say one special guest, my fiance, Kerry. For six years, Stood by me.
“Obviously, the last bit of news were my dementia diagnosis, which has been in the spotlight, a lot of publicity, a lot of press, but she’s been my rock for the last six years. I’ve let her down a couple of times. We’re planning to get married next year.
“And like I’ll prove where I know I’m wrong. I’ll prove to my fiancee that I’ll be a very good one. Thanks very much.”
Twitter users gave their reaction after Dean Windass gives a touching speech as he receives honorary degree from University of Hull…
@Jimmyjokerz: Privileged to have seen you play for city over the the years. In the boothferry park days, you were head and shoulders above everybody, even then! Legend
@OnceAFarmer: Lovely speech Dean. My wife was working at the graduation ceremony yesterday and said you and your family brought real joy to the day.
@BantamPete: Great speech Deano 👏🏻 Inspiring and full of honesty and raw emotion ❤️💛
@chipfromhull1: Well done Deano, great speech and well deserved award. All the best for the future
@Jimmyjokerz: Feel privileged to have seen you play live, even back in the boothferry park days. Watching you live was a major part of my childhood, thank you!
@gattusolw: Takes some balls to stand up there and talk 💪
@KarlJO7777: Brilliant for you mate, and what a great speech, congratulations to you 👍🙏🏆🍾
@bradfordbantam: well done total respect
@barks_raymond: Inspirational 👏👏
@Jason_owls_asia: Nice one mate. Good on ya
