Former NFL Safety Kenny Easley Dies at 66
Legendary safety Kenny Easley, a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro player in seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, has passed away at the age of 66. According to his family, he died on Friday night.
Easley was drafted by the Seahawks out of UCLA in 1981 with the fourth overall pick, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would be marked by numerous accolades. He led the league with 10 interceptions in 1984 and was named defensive player of the year by The Associated Press, a distinction he holds to this day.
Despite his impressive résumé, Easley's NFL career came to an abrupt end in 1987 due to health concerns related to kidney issues. However, his legacy lived on through his numerous accomplishments with the Seahawks, including being the first player in franchise history to be named Defensive Player of the Year.
In a statement, the Seahawks expressed their "deep sadness" over Easley's passing, praising him for embodying the values of leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness that define the team. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he was also an accomplished collegiate player at UCLA, where he won numerous awards and holds multiple records.
Easley is survived by his wife Gail and their three children, Kendrick, Gabrielle Manhertz, and Giordanna. He will be remembered for his impressive on-field accomplishments and his lasting impact on the Seahawks organization.
Legendary safety Kenny Easley, a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro player in seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, has passed away at the age of 66. According to his family, he died on Friday night.
Easley was drafted by the Seahawks out of UCLA in 1981 with the fourth overall pick, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would be marked by numerous accolades. He led the league with 10 interceptions in 1984 and was named defensive player of the year by The Associated Press, a distinction he holds to this day.
Despite his impressive résumé, Easley's NFL career came to an abrupt end in 1987 due to health concerns related to kidney issues. However, his legacy lived on through his numerous accomplishments with the Seahawks, including being the first player in franchise history to be named Defensive Player of the Year.
In a statement, the Seahawks expressed their "deep sadness" over Easley's passing, praising him for embodying the values of leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness that define the team. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he was also an accomplished collegiate player at UCLA, where he won numerous awards and holds multiple records.
Easley is survived by his wife Gail and their three children, Kendrick, Gabrielle Manhertz, and Giordanna. He will be remembered for his impressive on-field accomplishments and his lasting impact on the Seahawks organization.
66 was way too young for him to go 
He had such an amazing career with the Seahawks 
10 interceptions in one season is just insane 
And what's crazy is he's still holding that Defensive Player of the Year award after all these years 
His legacy lives on through his family and the Seahawks org 
They'll always remember him as a true leader and tough guy 
He was more than just a player, he was a symbol of Seattle sports pride 
Rest in peace Kenny 
. It's crazy to think that a legend like him is gone at 66. I mean, can you believe he only played 7 seasons in the NFL? That's even shorter than some modern-day players are used to. But what a career it was! He won all those Pro Bowls and was named Defensive Player of the Year - talk about cementing his legacy 
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. You may be gone but your legacy lives on, especially in Seattle where you'll always be remembered as one of the greatest Seahawks of all time 
. I wonder what he must have been like as a player, probably super intense and focused 
. RIP Kenny Easley you will be missed 
I remember watching him play all those years ago with my dad, he was like a superhero on the field - so fearless and intense 
. We'll miss seeing him out there on the field, but his memory will live on forever 
. All that time he spent dealing with health issues could've taken its toll, and it's sad that he never got to play beyond his prime... I mean, who knows what he could've achieved if he stayed on the field? 
Still, 10 interceptions in one season is crazy talk 
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