Seahawks legend and Hall of Famer Kenny Easley passes away

Kenny Easley, Seahawks Legend, Passes Away

The world of American football mourns the loss of Kenny Easley, former Seattle Seahawks safety and Hall of Fame member. Easley passed away on Friday night at the age of 66. Easley played his entire seven-year career with the Seahawks. He was selected to five Pro Bowls, earned first-team All-Pro honors three times, and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1984. Nicknamed “The Enforcer” for his physical playing style, Easley was a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

“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 courage. His intimidating nature and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all time”.

Team Statement

The team selected Easley with the fourth overall pick in 1981, coming from UCLA. During his seven seasons, he recorded 32 interceptions, including 10 in 1984, the most in the league, and returned three for touchdowns.

“Kenny Easley would have been a dominant safety in any era. When he was enshrined in 2017, he took his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and embraced his football immortality. Kenny possessed excellent ball skills, but make no mistake: his greatest strengths were his courage and intensity. If you had the ball as an opposing offensive player, he was going to hit you hard, and you were going to feel it for a while”.

Jim Porter, President and CEO of the Hall of Fame

Easley’s career ended after the 1987 season due to a serious kidney disease. He sued the Seahawks, alleging that high doses of ibuprofen damaged his kidneys and that the team allowed him to play his final season without informing him of the illness. Easley and the Seahawks reconciled in the early 2000s, after Paul Allen bought the team. He was inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2002 and was recently named one of the 50 greatest players in franchise history.

“As a man of faith, Kenny will always be remembered as a beloved member of the Seahawks family and his legacy will live on as an inspiration to fans around the world. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Gail, and their children Kendrick, Gabrielle, and Giordanna”.

Seahawks Statement