The versatile defender led the team in minutes played, assists, and chances created last season
BIRMINGHAM, AL(Feb. 7, 2022) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today that defender Jonny Dean has re-signed with the club, pending league and federation approval. The 24-year-old won the 2021 Fan’s Choice MVP Award, as presented by the club’s supporters’ group, the Magic City Brigade.
“Re-signing Jonny was a priority for us as he has become a key part of our core group over the past two seasons,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He has great quality defensively and offensively, and he also brings a high-energy level into the locker room while setting a great example on and off the field.”
‘Hotlinks’ hit the ground running upon his arrival to the Magic City at the start of 2020, as he has started in all 49 games in which he has been available in the past two seasons. He led the team in minutes (2,861), assists (five), and in chances created (48) last year, and finished third in blocks (13), third in clearances (51), fourth in interceptions (38), and fifth in tackles (41).
“It feels awesome to be back and signed with Birmingham,” said Dean. “From the ownership group to the front office, the coaching staff, the players, not to mention the fans, everyone has made me feel welcomed from the beginning. I don’t even have a Twitter account, but I was reminded daily about the #AnnounceDean tweets. I’m excited to be back and to play in front of this fantastic fan base and looking forward to continuing to build something and ultimately to bring a championship to the great city of Birmingham.”
Dean was named the Legion FC Newcomer of the Year in 2020 after he played every minute of the season except for 11, tied for the team lead this season in assists (5), finished third in chances created (17), fourth in tackles (22), fourth in passes (656), fourth in interceptions (14), fourth in blocks (5), fifth in clearances (20), and scored his first professional goal for good measure.
Before signing with Birmingham, Dean was drafted by Orlando City SC with the 13th pick in the second round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft following a successful collegiate career at the University of Central Florida and Wofford College. While at Wofford as a freshman, the right back tallied five assists and scored one goal on the way to being named to the All-SoCon Freshman Team.
Following his freshman year, Dean transferred to UCF and started 35 of a possible 50 matches, scored one goal, and recorded 11 assists before ending his collegiate career by playing every minute of his redshirt senior season and captaining UCF to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Transaction: On February 7, 2022, Birmingham Legion FC re-signed defender Jonny Dean, pending league and federation approval.
Player Profile:
Name: Jonny Dean
Position: Defender
Number: 24
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birthdate: May 15, 1997 (age: 24)
Hometown: Macon, GA
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: Orlando City SC (Major League Soccer)
Instagram: @jonathan_dean24
Dean and his teammates will take the field at Protective Stadium for the first time for an exhibition match versus Atlanta United on Sunday, February 20 at 2:30pm CT, and season tickets holders will receive a complimentary ticket to the game in their season ticket package. Find more info at bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.
For all club news and updates, like soon to be released single game tickets for #BHMvATL, fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media, sign up for the Legion FC Newsletter, and keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android, and sync our 2022 schedule to your calendar HERE.
