Senator Dean Wink - Contact Information

Dean Albert Wink (born September 25, 1944) is an American politician and former football player. He played parts of three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1966 to 1968. A Republican, Wink has had a distinguished career in both sports and public service.

Career Highlights:

• NFL Career: Wink signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1966. He made the team as a taxi squad player and was called up to the active roster on November 10, 1967. He started his only game the following year. In the offseason, Wink received his master’s degree in education. He was waived on July 15, 1969.
• South Dakota House of Representatives: Wink represented District 29 in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2009 to 2016. During his tenure, he served as Speaker pro tempore from January 11, 2011, to January 10, 2015, and as Speaker of the House from January 10, 2015, to January 10, 2017.
• Rancher and Educator: After retiring from football, Wink returned to Yankton College and later moved to Arizona, where he became a rancher. He also worked for a Texas cattle company. In 1988, he and his wife Joan returned to South Dakota, where they bought a ranch in Meade County. Joan retired from the faculty of California State University ten years later.

Elections:

• In 2008, Wink ran for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 29. He won the three-way Republican primary and secured the second seat in the general election.
• In subsequent elections, he continued to serve the people of District 29, contributing to legislative decisions and representing their interests.

Dean Wink’s dedication to public service, combined with his athletic background, makes him a notable figure in South Dakota politics.