Kenny Easley, the former UCLA and Seattle Seahawks safety renowned for his impact on the field, has died at the age of 66. His family confirmed that he passed away on March 15, 2024. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, where Easley is an enshrined member, did not disclose the cause of death.
The Seattle Seahawks expressed their sorrow in a statement, describing Easley as a beloved figure within the franchise. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks legend Kenny Easley,” the team said. “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.”
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Easley was recruited by UCLA head coach Terry Donahue from Oscar F. Smith High School in South Norfolk, Virginia, where he excelled as an All-American quarterback. He made history as the first player in Virginia high school football to rush and pass for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
During his time at UCLA from 1977 to 1980, Easley established himself as a standout player, earning three consensus All-American honors as a free safety. His legacy at UCLA remains significant, as he still holds the program record with 19 career interceptions and ranks fifth with 374 career tackles. Notably, no true freshman has surpassed his record of 93 tackles in a single season, set in 1977.
Impactful NFL Career
Selected by the Seahawks as the fourth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, Easley quickly made his mark in the NFL. He recorded 107 tackles and three interceptions during his rookie season, earning the title of AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 1984, he achieved a career-high of ten interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. His performance that season earned him the prestigious title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as recognized by the Associated Press.
Over his seven seasons with the Seahawks, Easley was named a four-time All-Pro first-team player and was selected to five Pro Bowls. He concluded his NFL career with impressive statistics, tallying 498 tackles, eight sacks, ten forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and 32 interceptions.
Easley’s career was abruptly interrupted in 1988 when he was diagnosed with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, a severe kidney disease. This diagnosis forced him into retirement and led to a kidney transplant. His departure from the Seahawks was marked by controversy; after being traded to the Phoenix Cardinals, he failed a physical and never played again. Easley alleged that the painkillers he took during his playing career contributed to his kidney issues, resulting in a lawsuit against the Seahawks that was settled out of court.
The relationship between Easley and the Seahawks improved over the years, culminating in his induction into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002, during the ownership of Paul Allen.
Legacy and Honors
In 2017, Easley was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NFL history. His number 45 was retired by the Seahawks in recognition of his contributions to the team. Additionally, Easley was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1991, with his number 5 also retired by UCLA.
Easley is survived by his wife, Gail Easley, and his children, Kendrick, Gabrielle Manhertz, and Giordanna. His passing marks the loss of a remarkable athlete whose influence extended beyond the gridiron, leaving a lasting legacy in both college and professional football.
