Education
Valli attended Simon Fraser University and played for their football team, the Simon Fraser Clan.
Valli attended Simon Fraser University and played for their football team, the Simon Fraser Clan.
He played four full seasons with the Clan from 2002 to 2005. Dean graduated with a bachelor of arts from Simon Fraser University in 2006. In 2005, Valli was named to the Canada West Universities Athletic Association all-star team
He also represented Simon Fraser University at the 2005 East-West Bowl held in Waterloo, Ontario.
Valli was selected in the 1st round, 6th overall, by the Lions in the 2006 Canadian Football League draft. 2006 was his first year playing professional football.