Kenny Easley, a celebrated figure in the Seahawks community and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, passed away on Friday night at the age of 66. The Hall of Fame announced his death but has not revealed the cause.
Easley devoted his entire seven-season NFL career to the Seattle Seahawks, having been picked fourth overall in the 1981 NFL Draft after playing at UCLA.
The Seahawks shared their sorrow in a statement, expressing, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks legend Kenny Easley. He embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness. His athleticism and intimidating presence established him as one of the greatest players ever. A man of faith, Kenny’s legacy as a beloved member of the Seahawks will continue to inspire fans globally.”
UCLA football also remembered him, saying, “We mourn the passing of Bruin legend Kenny Easley. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone he touched.”
During his time in the league, Easley was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and named an All-Pro three times. Notably, he was the first Seahawk ever to be honoured as the Defensive Player of the Year in 1984, thanks to his impressive ten interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Throughout his career, he amassed a total of 32 interceptions, placing him tied for fourth in Seahawks history. After the 1987 season, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals but his plans shifted upon a medical examination, which revealed serious kidney disease, ultimately leading to his retirement. Easley underwent a kidney transplant two years later.
Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame, stated, “Kenny Easley has always been a dominant safety. When he was inducted in 2017, he found his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, gaining the immortality of football. While he had solid ball skills, his greatest strengths lay in fearlessness and intensity. An opposing player would surely feel his hits.”
The Hall of Fame team extended their condolences to Easley’s wife, Gail, and the entire Easley family. Over his career, Easley received numerous accolades, which included his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2002.
