Meet Dale Wolfley: a Former WVU Football Player, Coach, and Media Star Dies at 56
Dale Wolfley was a former American football player and coach who played as an offensive lineman for the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers from 1986 to 1990. He was also a media personality and a contributor to the Gold and Blue Nation network. He died in his sleep on October 8, 2023, at the age of 56.
Early Life and Education
Dale Wolfley was born on June 14, 1967, in Orchard Park, New York. He was the second of three sons of Robert and Patricia Wolfley. His father was a former football player and coach who worked as a teacher and a principal. His mother was a homemaker and a nurse.
Dale attended Orchard Park High School, where he played football and wrestling. He was a two-time All-Western New York selection and a state champion wrestler. He graduated in 1985 and received a scholarship offer from WVU.
Wolfley enrolled at WVU in 1986 and redshirted his first year. He majored in physical education and health. He played for the Mountaineers under head coach Don Nehlen from 1987 to 1990. He started as a guard for three seasons and moved to center in his senior year. He was a team captain and an All-East First Team selection in 1989 and 1990. Dale was part of the WVU team that went 11-0 in the regular season in 1988 and played in the Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame.
Dale Wolfley Wiki
| Name | Dale Wolfley |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Orchard Park, New York |
| Date of Death | October 8, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Morgantown, West Virginia |
| Cause of Death | Unknown |
| Age at Death | 56 |
| Height | 6’3″ |
| Weight | 285 lbs |
| Position | Offensive Lineman |
| College | West Virginia University |
| High School | Orchard Park High School |
| Spouse | Faith Ann Wolfley (m. 2002) |
| Children | Stone, Maverick, Madison, Morgan, Megan, Hannah, Esther, Kyle, CJ, Max |
| Siblings | Ron Wolfley (brother), Craig Wolfley (brother) |
| Occupation | Football Player, Coach, Media Personality, Contributor |
| Homepage | factynews.com |
Career and Achievements
After graduating from WVU in 1991, Dale began his coaching career as the head coach at Phoenix College in Arizona. He led the Bears to a 9-2 record and a Valley of the Sun Bowl appearance in his first season. He coached at Phoenix College until 1997.
In 1998, Wolfley joined the staff of Arizona State University as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. He worked with the Sun Devils until 2002.
Dale returned to his alma mater as an assistant director of football operations in 2003. He was responsible for coordinating travel arrangements, overseeing equipment operations, and assisting with recruiting.
In 2008, Dale Wolfley became the director of player personnel under head coach Bill Stewart. He was in charge of evaluating prospective student-athletes, organizing official visits, and maintaining relationships with high school coaches.
Wolfley left WVU to pursue other opportunities. He worked as a sales representative for a medical device company and as a motivational speaker.
According to factynews.com, he joined the Mountaineer Sports Network as a sideline reporter and an analyst in 2013. He also hosted several radio shows and podcasts related to WVU football. He was known for his enthusiastic and humorous style of commentary.
In 2019, Dale became a contributor to the Gold and Blue Nation network, which covers WVU sports across various platforms. He appeared on shows such as Mountaineer GameDay and the WVU Coaches Show.
Wolfley was also involved in several charitable and community activities. He was a board member of the Christian Sports International, a ministry that uses sports to share the gospel. He also supported the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Special Olympics.
Personal Life and Family
Dale Wolfley married Faith Ann Wolfley in 2002. They had three daughters: Megan Wolfley, Hannah Wolfley, and Esther Wolfley; and three sons: Kyle Wolfley, CJ Wolfley, and Max Wolfley.
He also had four children from his previous marriage: Stone, Maverick, Madison, and Morgan.
Dale’s older brother Ron Wolfley was also a former WVU football player who played as a fullback and a running back from 1981 to 1984. Ron was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. He played ten seasons in the NFL for the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. He is currently a radio host and an analyst for the Arizona Cardinals.
Wolfley’s eldest brother Craig Wolfley was also a former football player who played as an offensive lineman at Syracuse University from 1977 to 1980. Craig played eleven seasons in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. He is currently a radio host and an analyst for the Steelers.
His son Stone Wolfley followed his father’s footsteps and played as an offensive lineman for WVU from 2015 to 2019. Stone is currently an assistant coach at Morgantown High School.
Dale’s son Maverick Wolfley also played college football as a linebacker at Kent State University from 2016 to 2019.
Death News and Cause of Death
Wolfley passed away in his sleep on October 8, 2023, at his home in Morgantown, West Virginia. He was 56 years old. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Dale’s death was confirmed by several sources, including his former teammates, colleagues, and friends. They expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and other platforms.
WVU football head coach Neal Brown issued a statement on Dale’s passing, saying:
We are deeply saddened by the news of Dale Wolfley’s passing. Dale was a Mountaineer through and through. He loved WVU and he loved this state. He was a great ambassador for our program and our university.
He was always positive, always upbeat, and always supportive. He touched so many lives with his passion and his personality. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the Mountaineer family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Faith, his children, his brothers, and his extended family.
WVU athletic director Shane Lyons also released a statement, saying:
Dale Wolfley was a true Mountaineer who represented WVU with class and dignity. He was a loyal son of West Virginia who gave back to his alma mater and his community in many ways. He was a talented player, coach, broadcaster, and mentor who had a positive impact on everyone he met.
He was a friend to all of us in the athletic department and we are heartbroken by his loss. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Trivia and Facts
- He wore jersey number 64 during his playing days at WVU.
- Dale was nicknamed “The Wolfman” by his fans and colleagues for his energetic and charismatic personality.
- He was a devout Christian who shared his faith openly and frequently.
- Wolfley was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed the outdoors.
- He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
