Kenny Easley, a legendary figure for the Seattle Seahawks, has passed away at the age of 66, as confirmed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His death occurred on Friday, and the team expressed their profound sorrow in a statement, highlighting his embodiment of the Seahawk spirit through qualities such as leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness.
Easley was a first-round draft pick in 1981 and dedicated his entire NFL career to the Seahawks. During his time on the field, he earned numerous accolades, including five selections to the Pro Bowl. Easley achieved first-team All-Pro status each year from 1983 to 1985 and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1984. His exceptional skills led to his inclusion in the league”s All-Decade Team for the 1980s.
Known as “the Enforcer,” Easley established a formidable reputation for his physical style of play, coupled with a remarkable ability to create turnovers. Over the course of his career, which spanned 95 regular and postseason games, he amassed 32 interceptions, leading the league with 10 in 1984, and returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Furthermore, he recorded nine forced fumbles and only missed a handful of games throughout his career.
Unfortunately, a serious kidney condition forced Easley to retire from football at just 28 years old. He later filed a lawsuit against the Seahawks, alleging that the team”s administration failed to inform him about the risks associated with the high doses of ibuprofen he received during his treatment. The matter was eventually settled out of court. In 2002, after reconciling with the organization, he was inducted into the Seahawks” Ring of Honor, cementing his legacy within the franchise.
The football community mourns the loss of Kenny Easley, a player whose impact on the game and his team will never be forgotten.
