Easley’s wife, Gail, told the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he passed away on Friday night at the age of 66. A cause of death wasn’t given, but Easley had battled various health issues in his post-playing career.
“Kenny always gave his all and held the game and his life at the highest standard,” Gail told the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Seattle Seahawks posted a statement after the news of Kenny Easley’s passing, offering their condolences to his family:
The Seahawks drafted “The Enforcer” with the No. 4 pick in 1981. The five-time Pro Bowler won the 1984 Defensive Player of the Year honors and earned four First-team All-Pro selections. Unfortunately, a severe kidney disease forced him to retire after the 1987 season.
Kenny Easley is survived by Gail and their children, son Kendrick and daughters Gabrielle and Giordanna. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the Seahawks organization during this difficult time.
Kenny Easley Put The Seahawks On The Map In The ’80s
The Seahawks entered the NFL in 1976 and failed to qualify for the postseason in their first seven years. Soon after Kenny Easley arrived, however, everything changed for the Emerald City sports landscape.
Easley led Seattle to three playoff appearances during his Hall of Fame career that ended far too early. They went as far as the 1983 AFC Championship Game (Seattle was in the AFC at the time), losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Raiders.
Despite only playing seven seasons, Easley racked up 32 career interceptions and nine forced fumbles. This included a career-high 10 interceptions in the 1984 season.
