Dante Stills Bio
Dante Stills is an American professional football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 14, 1999, in Fairmont, West Virginia, he played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers before entering the NFL. Stills was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft and quickly contributed as a rookie, playing in 15 games and recording multiple tackles and sacks.
Early Life and Background
Dante Stills was born and raised in Fairmont, West Virginia, where he attended Fairmont Senior High School. Growing up in a family with deep roots in football, he was exposed to the sport from an early age. His father, Gary Stills, starred at West Virginia University and went on to play in the NFL for 10 years, giving Dante a clear view of what a professional football career could look like.
The influence of his father’s career played a major role in shaping Dante’s approach to the game. Surrounded by relatives who had played at high levels, he developed an understanding of the work and discipline required to succeed in football. He completed his high school education at Fairmont Senior before moving on to the college level.
Path to American Football
Stills committed to West Virginia University, joining a program with strong family ties through his father and brother. As a true freshman in 2018, he debuted against Tennessee and finished the season with 16 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles that tied for the team lead. His strong start earned him Freshman All-American recognition from The Athletic and ESPN.
He continued to develop over the following seasons, earning Second Team All-Big 12 Conference honors in 2019 after posting 24 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup in 12 games. In the shortened 2020 season, he started all 10 games alongside his brother Darius and recorded 35 tackles, one fumble recovery, a blocked kick, and two pass breakups. After the season he was named First Team All-Big 12 by Pro Football Focus and Phil Steele, and a PFF All-American honorable mention.
Dante Stills Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Stills spent his entire college career at West Virginia, where he steadily built his reputation as a disruptive defensive lineman. Across four seasons, he appeared in games as a freshman in 2018 and gradually increased his production and responsibility. His combination of strength, quickness, and football intelligence made him a consistent presence on the Mountaineers defensive front.
Rather than enter the 2021 NFL draft, Stills chose to return to West Virginia for an additional season to further refine his game. He was also recognized as a preseason All-American heading into that year. His patience and continued development helped position him as a prospect ready for the next level.
West Virginia Mountaineers Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Stills’ college career featured steady growth, beginning with a productive freshman season that established him as a player to watch. His ability to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers was evident early, and he earned national recognition as a Freshman All-American. Each subsequent season brought increased production and postseason honors.
By his junior season in 2020, Stills had become a key starter on the Mountaineers defensive line, finishing with 35 tackles and earning multiple All-Big 12 selections. He followed that with a senior season in 2021 that included First Team All-Big 12 recognition in 2022 honors. His college résumé reflected both consistency and continued improvement.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
Stills was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round with the 213th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He quickly earned a role on the defensive line, playing in 15 games with eight starts as a rookie. In his first NFL season, he recorded 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks, showing he could contribute against both the run and the pass.
His transition to the NFL was marked by steady playing time and visible production, even as a mid-round pick. Stills’ combination of size, effort, and technique allowed him to earn the trust of the Cardinals coaching staff and carve out a meaningful role on the defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stills plays with a powerful base and strong hands that allow him to hold up against offensive linemen at the point of attack. He shows good instincts as a pass rusher and demonstrates the motor to chase plays down the line of scrimmage. His balance between run defense and pass-rush production makes him a versatile piece on the defensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining early milestone came in his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals, when he appeared in 15 games and posted 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Being drafted in the sixth round and earning immediate playing time also marked a significant step in his professional journey.
Dante Stills Career Wins
Dante Stills has built his résumé through consistent play and recognition at both the college and professional levels. While individual game victories are tied to team results, his personal milestones include Freshman All-American honors, multiple All-Big 12 selections, and a productive rookie NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals.
West Virginia Mountaineers Highlights
Stills appeared in multiple seasons for the West Virginia Mountaineers, earning Freshman All-American recognition from The Athletic and ESPN in 2018. He later collected Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2019 and was named First Team All-Big 12 by Pro Football Focus and Phil Steele following the 2020 season.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his conference selections, Stills was recognized as a PFF All-American honorable mention and as a preseason All-American before his senior season. These honors reflected his standing among the top defensive linemen in college football during his time at West Virginia.
Dante Stills Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Dante Stills comes from a family with a strong football tradition. His father, Gary Stills, was a standout at West Virginia University and went on to play in the NFL for 10 seasons. His brother, Darius Stills, played alongside him on the West Virginia Mountaineers defensive line, and his uncle, Ken Stills, and cousin, Kenny Stills, also played in the NFL.
Personal Life
Dante Stills was raised in Fairmont, West Virginia, and continues to be recognized for his family connection to the game. Public details about his personal relationships and life outside of football are limited.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Dante Stills is expected to continue his role with the Arizona Cardinals as part of the defensive line rotation. After a rookie season that included 15 games played and 3.5 sacks, he has a foundation to build on as he looks to expand his production.
His development through the 2024 offseason and training camp will be an important storyline, as the Cardinals work to solidify their defensive front. Stills’ combination of size, technique, and football pedigree gives him a clear opportunity to take on a larger role.
With the Cardinals aiming to compete in the NFC West, Stills’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and contribute against the run will be a key factor in his continued growth and the team’s defensive outlook for the 2025 season.