NFL Icon and College Football Legend Kenny Easley Passes Away at 66

Kenny Easley, the formidable safety known for his dominating play with the Seattle Seahawks and standout performances at UCLA, has died at the age of 66.

Easley's death was confirmed by his family, although no cause of death was disclosed.

Among the select few who spent their entire professional career with the Seahawks and entered the Hall of Fame, Easley's legacy stands alongside greats like Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, and Walter Jones. His name was immortalized in 2017 when the Seahawks retired his No. 45 jersey.

The Seahawks community mourns Easley’s loss deeply, remembering him as a paragon of leadership, courage, and athletic prowess.

Originating from Chesapeake, Virginia, Easley was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection during his seven illustrious seasons with Seattle. He joined the Seahawks as the fourth overall pick from UCLA in 1981.

Easley's most exceptional season came in 1984 when he led the league with 10 interceptions, earning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year accolade from The Associated Press. His performance was pivotal in a record-setting season for turnovers.

However, Easley's career ended controversially with a trade after the 1987 season, spurred by a kidney illness. The trade to the Cardinals did not pan out due to a failed physical, leading Easley to believe excessive painkiller use during his playing years contributed to his health problems.

Easley long sensed that the Seahawks might have known about his condition beforehand but did not inform him. It wasn't until 2002, when Paul Allen owned the franchise, that Easley began mending relations with the team, coinciding with his induction into their ring of honor.

Throughout his career, Easley amassed 32 interceptions—fourth in franchise history—complemented by 11 recovered fumbles, nine forced fumbles, and eight sacks.

At UCLA, Easley was a prominent figure, excelling as a free safety under coach Terry Donahue from 1977 to 1980. He became the inaugural Pac-10 player to secure four first-team All-Conference selections.

As one of only two players to earn three-time consensus All-American honors in UCLA history, Easley set records with 19 career interceptions. His impact extended to the field, where his freshman tackle record of 93 remains staggering.

Easley achieved 105 tackles in 1980, showcasing his ability by finishing ninth in Heisman voting, alongside his special teams prowess as a punt returner.

Honoring his contribution, UCLA retired Easley's No. 5 jersey and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. His athletic versatility was also demonstrated by his participation in junior varsity basketball, leading to selection by the Chicago Bulls in the 1981 NBA Draft.

Easley's legacy continues through his family: his wife, Gail, and their three children—son Kendrick and daughters Gabrielle Manhertz and Giordanna.