Kenny Easley, a celebrated safety in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, passed away on Friday evening at the age of 66, as confirmed by his family. Easley, who played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1981 to 1987, was a standout defensive back known for his remarkable contributions to the sport.
Drafted by the Seahawks out of UCLA with the fourth overall pick in 1981, Easley quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the field. Over the course of his seven-season career, he earned five All-Pro honors and became the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1984, a season during which he led the league with ten interceptions.
Despite retiring before reaching his 30s, Easley’s legacy in the NFL and particularly with the Seahawks remains significant. He played in 89 games, starting 87 of them, and recorded 32 interceptions, including three pick-sixes, along with nine forced fumbles.
Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame, paid tribute to Easley, emphasizing his exceptional skills, fearlessness, and intensity. “Kenny Easley would have been a dominant safety in any era,” Porter stated. “When he was enshrined in 2017, he took his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and embraced his football immortality.”
In recognition of his outstanding career, Easley was inducted into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002. The Hall of Fame staff expressed their condolences to his wife, Gail, and the Easley family during this difficult time.
Kenny Easley’s impact on the game and his remarkable achievements will not be forgotten, as they continue to inspire future generations of football players.