The football world is mourning the loss of a true legend. Kenny Easley, the fearsome safety for the Seattle Seahawks and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 66.
The Hall of Fame made the sad announcement on Saturday, confirming that Easley passed away on Friday night. His family informed the institution of his death, though no cause was provided.
A Seahawks and Hall of Fame Icon
Kenny Easley's legacy is forever intertwined with the Seattle Seahawks. He stands as one of only four players in franchise history to spend his entire career with the team and earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a prestigious group that includes Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, and Walter Jones.
The Seahawks organization released a heartfelt statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks legend Kenny Easley. Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity and fearlessness. His intimidating nature and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all time."
Easley was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, and the Seahawks retired his iconic No. 45 jersey during that same season, cementing his status as a franchise great.
A Dominant Force on the Field
Nicknamed "The Enforcer" for his punishing style of play, Easley was a dominant force throughout his seven-season career. A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, he was selected by the Seahawks with the No. 4 overall pick in the 1981 draft out of UCLA.
His career highlights are remarkable:
- Five-time Pro Bowl selection
- Three-time First-Team All-Pro
- 32 career interceptions, tied for fourth in Seahawks history
His finest season came in 1984 when he led the entire NFL with 10 interceptions. That incredible performance earned him The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, making him the first Seahawk ever to receive that honour.
A Complicated Legacy and College Stardom
Easley's departure from the NFL was clouded by controversy. After the 1987 season, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals but failed his physical due to a serious kidney ailment. He never played another down.
Easley believed that the large doses of painkillers he took during his career contributed to his kidney issues and felt the Seahawks were aware of the condition but did not inform him. Fortunately, a reconciliation process began in 2002 under owner Paul Allen, leading to Easley's induction into the Seahawks' Ring of Honour.
Before his professional stardom, Easley was a college phenom at UCLA. He was a three-time consensus All-American and still holds the school record with 19 career interceptions. His No. 5 jersey was retired by the university, a testament to his incredible impact as a Bruin.
Kenny Easley is survived by his wife, Gail, and their three children: son Kendrick, and daughters Gabrielle Manhertz and Giordanna.
