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Former Seattle Seahawks safety Kenny Easley has died at age 66, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Saturday.
Easley's family said he died Friday night and did not provide a cause of death.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks legend Kenny Easley,” the Seahawks said in a statement. “Kenny embodied what it means to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, perseverance and fearlessness. His intimidating personality and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all time.”
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Former Seahawks player and NFL Hall of Famer Kenny Easley greets the crowd as his number is retired during halftime between the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts at CenturyLink Field on October 1, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images)
The Seahawks drafted Easley fourth overall out of UCLA in 1981, and the cornerback became a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro in seven seasons in Seattle, where he spent his entire career.
In 1984, Easley led the league with 10 interceptions and was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year. He was the first player in franchise history to be named Defensive Player of the Year.
However, his career ended after the 1987 season when he was traded, due in part to kidney disease this shortened his NFL career to the Cardinals. But he failed his physical and never played another game in the NFL.
Easley believed the Seahawks knew about the kidney condition and did not tell him about it. The Seahawks and Easley began to reconcile in 2002, when Paul Allen was the team owner, coinciding with Easley being inducted into the Ring of Honor that fall.
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Easley finished his career with 32 interceptions, fourth-most in franchise history, along with 11 fumble recoveries, nine forced interceptions and eight sacks.
At UCLAEasley starred at free agency under coach Terry Donahue from 1977-1980. He made an immediate impact for the Bruins, joining the starting lineup as a true freshman and eventually becoming the first player in Pac-10 history to earn four first-team all-conference honors.
He was just the second player in program history to be named a Consensus All-American three times.
Easley still holds the UCLA school record with 19 career interceptions, including 13 in his first two seasons. He ranks fifth on UCLA's all-time tackle list with 374 tackles, and his 93 tackles in 1977 represented the most among a true Bruin freshman.
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Kenny Easley of the Seattle Seahawks against the Indianapolis Colts at CenturyLink Field on October 1, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Jonathan Ferry/Getty Images)
Easley made 105 tackles during the 1980 campaign and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting. He also returned punts during his time at UCLA. His No. 5 jersey was retired by the university.
He is survived by his wife Gail and three children – son Kendrick and daughters Gabrielle Manhertz and Jordanna.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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