Kenny Easley, Seahawks Legend and Hall of Famer, Dies at 66

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Seattle Seahawks legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kenny Easley, known as 'The Enforcer' for his hard-hitting style, has passed away at 66. Easley, who spent his entire seven-year career with the Seahawks, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 and had his jersey number 45 retired by the team. Easley, a Chesapeake, Virginia native, was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro player. He led the NFL in interceptions in 1984 with 10, earning him defensive player of the year honors from The Associated Press. This was a historic season for the Seahawks, who forced a franchise-record 63 turnovers that year. However, Easley's time with the Seahawks was also marred by controversy. He was traded after the 1987 season due to a kidney ailment that cut his NFL career short. He went on to play for the Cardinals but failed his physical and never played another down. Easley believed the Seahawks knew about his kidney condition but didn't disclose it to him. However, the two parties started to reconcile in 2002 when Paul Allen was the team owner. Easley was inducted into the Seahawks' Ring of Honor that same year. Easley finished his career with 32 interceptions, tied for fourth most in franchise history, and 11 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, and eight sacks. At UCLA, he was a standout player, earning four first-team All-Conference accolades and becoming the first player in Pac-10 history to do so. He also holds the UCLA school record with 19 career interceptions. Easley is survived by his wife, Gail, and their three children. The Seahawks organization has paid tribute to him, saying, '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 of the best players of all time.'