Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Kenny Easley passes away at 66

Kenny Easley, Former Seahawks Star, Passes Away at 66

Former Seattle Seahawks safety Kenny Easley has passed away at the age of 66, as confirmed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Easley’s family shared that he died Friday night, though no specific cause of death was mentioned.

The Seahawks expressed their sorrow in a statement, emphasizing Easley’s embodiment of the team’s spirit through his leadership and fearlessness. They described him as having a unique blend of intimidation and athleticism that made him one of the all-time greats.

Easley was drafted by the Seahawks as the fourth overall pick out of UCLA in 1981. Over his seven-season career in Seattle, he became a five-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro. Notably, in 1984, Easley topped the league with 10 interceptions and was recognized as the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, marking the first such honor in Seahawks history.

Unfortunately, his time in the NFL was cut short due to kidney disease. He was traded to the Cardinals following the 1987 season but was unable to play again due to his health issues. Easley had voiced concerns that the Seahawks were aware of his condition and didn’t inform him. However, reconciliation began between Easley and the team in 2002 when he was inducted into their Ring of Honor.

In total, Easley ended his career with 32 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, and eight sacks, ranking among the top players in franchise history.

During his college years at UCLA from 1977 to 1980, Easley made an impression as a free safety, starting as a true freshman. He became the first athlete in Pac-10 history to earn first-team all-conference honors four times and was a consensus All-American three times. Easley still holds the UCLA record for career interceptions with 19 and is fifth on the school’s all-time tackle list with 374.