Dante Wesley

Dante Julius Wesley (born April 5, 1979 in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Wesley has been a member of the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Detroit Lions.

Professional career

First stint with Panthers

Wesley was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 4th round (100th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Chicago Bears

In March 2006 he signed a 2-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

New England Patriots

After one season with the Bears, Wesley was acquired by the New England Patriots for an undisclosed draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Second stint with Panthers

On September 3, 2007, after being released by the Patriots, he signed again with the Carolina Panthers.

Wesley scored his first career touchdown on a 12 yard fumble return against the New Orleans Saints in the 2008 season finale.

Clifton Smith incident

In the 2009 NFL season, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wesley launched himself (leaving his feet) into punt returner Clifton Smith, who had not yet received the ball. Wesley was assessed a 15-yard penalty and ejected. Ordinarily, kick catch interference is only a 15-yard penalty, but the officials ejected him because they felt Wesley's actions were unnecessary; referee John Parry explained the offense by saying: "That player,...
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