1 week ago
54
The world of football is mourning the death of Seattle Seahawks legend and Hall of Fame safety Kenny Easley at the age of 66.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement on Saturday afternoon to share the news, revealing that he passed away on Friday evening. No cause of death has yet been announced.
In a statement, HOF president Jim Porter said: 'Kenny Easley would have been a dominant safety in any era. When he was enshrined in 2017, he took his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and embraced his football immortality.
'Kenny possessed excellent ball skills, but make no mistake: his biggest strengths were his fearlessness and intensity.'
Easley was nicknamed 'The Enforcer' during his NFL career, which he played the entirety of in Seattle from 1981 to 1987.
He was the 1984 Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time first-team All-Pro.
Easley is survived by his wife Gail and children Kendrick, Gabrielle and Giordanna.
In a statement posted on social media, the Seahawks said: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley. 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. Earning his nickname "The Enforcer" for his hard-hitting play, Kenny was named to the 1980s All-Decade Team, piling up 32 interceptions over seven seasons, three of which he returned for touchdowns.
'Kenny was a five-time Pro-Bowler and three-time first-team AP All-Pro during his seven seasons in Seattle, and in 1984 he became the first player in franchise history to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors.
'He was inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2002 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. A man of faith, Kenny will forever be remembered as a beloved member of the Seahawks family and his legacy will live on as an inspiration to fans around the world.'
On social media, tributes immediately began to pour in, with one writing: 'Absolute legend. One of the best defenders of the 80s.'
Another added: 'Easley was the kind of player every defense wishes they had, intensity and instincts from a different era. Tough news for Seattle fans.'
A third posted: 'Oh man nooooooo. He was THE SAFETY that changed the game. RIP to an all time great.'
