* Rafer Johnson: Johnson, who won the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics, was another inspiration for Dean. Dean admired Johnson's strength and speed, and he aspired to be just as good as him.
* Willie Banks: Banks, who was a world-class decathlete in the 1970s, was also a major influence on Dean. Dean looked up to Banks as a role model, and he learned a great deal from him.