Kenny Easley, a former UCLA standout and Hall of Fame safety for the Seattle Seahawks, has died at the age of 66. Easley passed away on the evening of March 15, 2024, as confirmed by his family to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Seattle Seahawks expressed their sorrow in a statement, highlighting Easley’s legacy within the franchise. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks legend Kenny Easley,” the team remarked. “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.”
A Stellar Career at UCLA and Beyond
Easley began his football journey at Oscar F. Smith High School in South Norfolk, Virginia, where he made a name for himself as an All-American quarterback. He was the first player in Virginia high school history to achieve over 1,000 yards both rushing and passing in a single season.
After being recruited by UCLA head coach Terry Donahue, Easley transitioned to safety, where he excelled. From 1977 to 1980, he earned the distinction of being a three-time consensus All-American. Nicknamed “The Enforcer,” he became the first player in Pac-10 history to be selected to four All-Pac-10 first teams. Easley still holds the UCLA record for career interceptions with 19, including 13 in his first two seasons, and ranks fifth with 374 career tackles.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Easley with the fourth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he recorded 107 tackles and three interceptions, earning the title of AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year. His remarkable career peaked in 1984 when he achieved a personal best of 10 interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. That same year, he was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
During his seven seasons with the Seahawks, Easley was a four-time All-Pro first-team selection and was voted to five Pro Bowls. His final career statistics include 498 tackles, eight sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and 32 interceptions.
Health Challenges and Controversies
Easley’s career faced significant challenges when he was diagnosed in 1988 with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, a severe kidney disease that ultimately forced him into retirement. Following his diagnosis, he underwent a kidney transplant.
His departure from the Seahawks was marred by controversy. After the 1987 season, he was traded to the Phoenix Cardinals due to his health issues but failed a physical and never played again. Easley alleged that the extensive use of painkillers during his playing days contributed to his kidney problems and claimed that the Seahawks were aware of his condition but failed to disclose it. This led to a legal dispute that was settled out of court.
A reconciliation occurred in 2002 when Paul Allen was the team owner, culminating in Easley’s induction into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor that same year.
In 2017, he received the ultimate recognition and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Seahawks honored him further by retiring his jersey number 45. Easley was also inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1991, with his number 5 retired by UCLA.
Kenny Easley is survived by his wife, Gail Easley, and his three children: son Kendrick Easley and daughters Gabrielle Manhertz and Giordanna Easley. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike.
