Seattle Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley Passes Away at 66

Kenny Easley, the former safety for the Seattle Seahawks and a celebrated member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, passed away on the evening of October 13, 2023. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. Easley, known for his formidable playing style, dedicated his entire seven-year career to Seattle, where he established himself as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Easley made a significant impact during his time with the Seahawks, earning five Pro Bowl selections and receiving first-team All-Pro honors on three occasions. His standout performance in 1984 earned him the title of AFC Defensive Player of the Year. He was renowned for his physical style of play, which earned him the nickname “The Enforcer.” In recognition of his contributions, Easley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and was a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team.

The Seahawks organization expressed profound sadness over Easley’s passing in a statement, saying, “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 drafted fourth overall by the Seahawks in 1981 after a successful college career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Throughout his career, he recorded 32 interceptions, including a league-high 10 interceptions in 1984, returning three for touchdowns.

Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, praised Easley’s legacy, stating, “Kenny Easley would have been a dominant safety in any era. When he was enshrined in 2017, he took his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and embraced his football immortality. Kenny possessed excellent ball skills, but make no mistake: His biggest strengths were his fearlessness and intensity.”

Easley’s career faced an abrupt end after the 1987 season due to a serious kidney disease, which he attributed to the use of large doses of ibuprofen during his playing days. He sued the Seahawks, claiming that the team had allowed him to continue playing without informing him of his condition. In the early 2000s, Easley and the Seahawks reached a reconciliation after the team was purchased by Paul Allen. He was later inducted into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002 and was recently named one of the franchise’s 50 greatest players.

In their statement, the Seahawks emphasized Easley’s lasting impact, saying, “As a man of faith, Kenny will forever be remembered as a beloved member of the Seahawks family and his legacy will live on as inspiration to fans around the world.” The organization extended condolences to his wife, Gail Easley, and their children, Kendrick, Gabrielle, and Giordanna.

Easley’s influence on the game and the community will continue to resonate with fans and players alike, marking a significant loss for the entire sports world.