Pro Football Hall of Famer Kenny Easley, the Seattle Seahawks' legendary defensive back known as "The Enforcer," died Friday night, his family announced Saturday. He was 66.
Easley's NFL playing career was short-lived, but his impression at the safety position was long-lasting.
Well-known for his dynamic style of play, Easley's ball-hawking skill set had opposing quarterbacks thinking twice on the deep ball and opposing pass-catchers wary when running up the middle because of his hard-hitting impulses. It was that style of play that rightfully earned him "The Enforcer" nickname.
Despite playing only seven seasons in the NFL, a career shortened after a kidney disease diagnosis, Easley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley," the Seahawks said in a statement. "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 the best players of all-time."
Selected with the No. 4 overall pick by the Seahawks in the 1981 NFL Draft, Easley made an immediate impact in Seattle, earning the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He'd then go on a four-year stretch that remains hard to match.
From 1982-1985, Easley generated 23 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and seven sacks at safety. He earned four Pro Bowls and three consecutive first-team All-Pro honors in the latter part of that span. Easley's emergence coincided with Seattle's first postseason appearance in 1983.
The 1984 season was Easley's crowning campaign, producing 10 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and three forced fumbles in 16 games. It earned him 1984's Defensive Player of the Year award.
Following the 1987 season, Easley was traded to the Cardinals. After going through a physical with his new team, it was learned Easley had kidney disease. He was forced into retirement soon thereafter and received a kidney transplant two years later.
After seven seasons in the NFL, Easley produced 32 INTs, including three pick-sixes, nine forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries and 8.0 sacks. He made five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro lists, and was a member of the 1980's All-Decade Team.
The Seattle Seahawks retired Easley's No. 45 and inducted into the club's Ring of Honor in 2002.
Easley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, nearly 30 years after playing his final down. He was the fourth Seahawk to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, joining Steve Largent, Walter Jones and Cortez Kennedy.
Easley, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, was a three-time All-American at UCLA before taking his talents to the NFL. His No. 5 was also retired by the university.
