Legendary Seahawk defensive back Kenny Easley died Friday night at the age of 66, according to his family. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was known as ‘The Enforcer’, thanks to his hard-hitting and tough style of play.
Easley’s legendary performance was recognized not only by the Seattle Seahawks, but by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, following his career. Although he was feared on the field, Easley was known off the field for his kindness. The football player showed a deep devotion to his family, and to his faith.
The Enforcer
Despite only playing seven seasons in the NFL, Kenny Easley is widely referred to as one of the greatest safeties in football history. During his first few years in Seattle, Easley forced eight fumbles, generated 23 interceptions, alongside seven sacks. During his impressive run, the Seahawks made their first postseason appearance of 1983.
By 1984, Easley was at the top of his game. He earned that years Defensive Player of the Year award, thanks to three forced fumbles, and 10 forced interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Easley was later traded to the Cardinals, who, after requiring a physical for the new player, found that he was suffering from kidney disease. He was forced into retirement shortly after. Despite finding himself sidelined due to his disease, Kenny Easley remains a well-known football legend. At the end of his career he boasted incredible stats including, 498 tackles, eight sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and 32 interceptions, all in only 89 games played.
The Seahawks Remember Kenny Easley
In 2002, Easley was inducted to the Seahawks Ring of Honor. Despite difficulties between Easley and the team for the way his career ended, they were reconciled thanks to the recognition. Seattle went on to retire his jersey, No. 45, and Easley found peace with football following this long-awaited appreciation.
By 2017, Easley was recognized again. Thirty years after his career ended he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Following the news of his death, Hall of Fame President and CEO Jim Porter released a statement, 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. 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.”
Following his death, the Seahawks released a statement in his honor,
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley,” The statement began. “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 the best players of all-time.”
It went on to say, “A man of faith, Kenny will forever 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 sincere condolences to his wife, Gail, and children Kendrick, Gabrielle and Giordanna.”
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