Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Seattle Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley Dies at 66
A famous football player named Kenny Easley, who was a star safety for the Seattle Seahawks, has passed away.
He was 66 years old.
Kenny was known for being a really strong and smart player, earning many awards during his time in the 1980s, including being named the best defensive player in the whole league one year.
He even got into the Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor for athletes.
Sadly, his career was cut short because of kidney problems he got from taking medicine.
Even though there was a time when he was upset with the team, he later made up with them and was honored by the Seahawks.
He will be remembered as a great player and a Hall of Famer.
Seattle Seahawks legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kenny Easley has died at the age of 66.
Easley was drafted fourth overall by Seattle in 1981 and quickly became a key defensive player.
He was named the 1984 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and earned five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors.
His career ended prematurely in 1988 due to kidney complications, leading to a lawsuit against the Seahawks which was settled out of court.
Easley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and his number 45 is retired by the Seahawks.
- Who
- Kenny Easley, former Seattle Seahawks safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer
- What
- Died at age 66
- When
- Confirmed on Friday evening
- Where
- The Pro Football Hall of Fame confirmed his passing
- Why
- Cause of death not publicly disclosed
Career Ending Injury
Legal Battle and Reconciliation
Career Impact
Career Ending Injury
Easley's career was cut short in 1988 due to kidney complications, linked to painkiller overuse, preventing a trade and leading to a lawsuit.
Legal Battle and Reconciliation
Despite a premature end, Easley achieved significant accolades like Defensive Player of the Year and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Seahawks Ring of Honor.
Relationship with Seahawks
Career Ending Injury
A lawsuit against the Seahawks over his career-ending injury resulted in an out-of-court settlement and a period of estrangement.
Legal Battle and Reconciliation
Team owner Paul Allen reconciled with Easley in 2002, leading to his induction into the Seahawks Ring of Honor.
- Age
- 66
- Team
- Seattle Seahawks
- Position
- Safety
- Drafted
- 1981, 4th overall by Seattle
- Accolades
- 5 Pro Bowl selections, 3 First-Team All-Pro, 1984 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2017), Seahawks Ring of Honor
- Career Interceptions
- 32 (10 in 1984, leading the league)
- Retired Number
- 45
