Posted on Nov 15

Seahawks legend Easley passes away at 66, leaving lasting football legacy

Posted Nov 15, 2025

Kenny Easley, the former Seattle Seahawks safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the NFL.

Why it matters: Easley’s impact on the Seahawks franchise and professional football is profound, exemplifying the qualities of leadership, toughness, and skill that define the sport. His contributions not only elevated the Seahawks but also set a standard for defensive play in the league.

As a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Easley was recognized for his exceptional career, which included five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors.
He was known as "The Enforcer," a testament to his hard-hitting style that resonated with fans and players alike.

What’s new: The news of Easley’s passing has drawn tributes from across the football world, highlighting his remarkable career and lasting influence.

The Seattle Seahawks released a statement expressing their sadness, noting, "Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness."
Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, praised Easley’s skills and character, stating, "Kenny possessed excellent ball skills, but make no mistake: His biggest strengths were his fearlessness and intensity."

By the numbers: Easley's statistical achievements underscore his dominance on the field during his seven-year career.

He recorded 32 interceptions, leading the league with 10 in 1984, and returned three for touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the best safeties of his era.
Easley was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1984 and was later inducted into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002.

Zoom Out: Beyond his statistics, Easley’s life story reflects both triumph and adversity, impacting how he is remembered in the annals of sports history.

His career ended prematurely due to severe kidney disease, which he alleged was caused by large doses of ibuprofen prescribed during his playing days.
After years of conflict with the organization over his health issues, Easley reconciled with the Seahawks after Paul Allen purchased the team, demonstrating his enduring connection to the franchise.

The big picture: Easley’s legacy extends beyond the field; he serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.

As a man of faith, he is remembered not just for his impressive stats but also for his dedication to family and community.
The Seahawks statement closed by extending condolences to his family, emphasizing the personal impact he had off the field as well.

The bottom line: Kenny Easley’s contributions to the game of football and the Seattle Seahawks will be felt for years to come, marking him as a true legend of the sport.

Seahawks legend Easley passes away at 66, leaving lasting football legacy

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 15, 2025

Kenny Easley, the former Seattle Seahawks safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the NFL.

As a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Easley was recognized for his exceptional career, which included five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors.

He was known as "The Enforcer," a testament to his hard-hitting style that resonated with fans and players alike.

What’s new: The news of Easley’s passing has drawn tributes from across the football world, highlighting his remarkable career and lasting influence.

The Seattle Seahawks released a statement expressing their sadness, noting, "Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness."

Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, praised Easley’s skills and character, stating, "Kenny possessed excellent ball skills, but make no mistake: His biggest strengths were his fearlessness and intensity."

By the numbers: Easley's statistical achievements underscore his dominance on the field during his seven-year career.

He recorded 32 interceptions, leading the league with 10 in 1984, and returned three for touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the best safeties of his era.

Easley was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1984 and was later inducted into the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002.

Zoom Out: Beyond his statistics, Easley’s life story reflects both triumph and adversity, impacting how he is remembered in the annals of sports history.

His career ended prematurely due to severe kidney disease, which he alleged was caused by large doses of ibuprofen prescribed during his playing days.

After years of conflict with the organization over his health issues, Easley reconciled with the Seahawks after Paul Allen purchased the team, demonstrating his enduring connection to the franchise.

The big picture: Easley’s legacy extends beyond the field; he serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.

As a man of faith, he is remembered not just for his impressive stats but also for his dedication to family and community.

The Seahawks statement closed by extending condolences to his family, emphasizing the personal impact he had off the field as well.

The bottom line: Kenny Easley’s contributions to the game of football and the Seattle Seahawks will be felt for years to come, marking him as a true legend of the sport.