Seahawks Honor Hall of Fame Safety Kenny Easley

The Seattle Seahawks recently honored Kenny Easley, a legendary safety and Hall of Fame inductee. Easley, a first-round draft pick from UCLA in 1981, quickly became a pivotal player for the team. Over his short career, he made a significant impact on the Seahawks’ defense and contributed to the franchise’s early playoff appearances.

Kenny Easley’s Incredible Career

Easley played for the Seahawks from 1981 to 1987. He helped the team achieve its first playoff appearance in 1983. By the 1984 season, the Seahawks had an impressive record of 12-4, setting a post-merger NFL record with 63 forced turnovers.

• Easley led the league with 10 interceptions in 1984.
• He returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns.
• He became the first player in Seahawks history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors.

A Remarkable Legacy

Kenny Easley was named a three-time first-team All-Pro and earned Pro Bowl selections five times during his career. His performances secured him a spot on the 1980s All-Decade Team. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by kidney disease, which led to a long absence from football and the Seahawks.

For 15 years, Easley stayed distanced from the NFL, feeling wronged by how his career ended. He was involved in a lawsuit regarding his kidney disease, which was settled in the 1990s. Easley reflected on a personal struggle, stating he was “wallowing in my own anger.”

Reconciliation with the Seahawks

The turning point came when his wife, Gail, questioned how long he would hold onto his grudge. This prompted Easley to reconsider his relationship with the franchise. In 2002, Gary Wright, the Seahawks’ VP of communications, reached out to him, inviting him to be honored in the team’s Ring of Honor.

Easley took part in the ceremony, where he stated, “It was good that the reconciliation happened.” Despite his absence from football for many years, he began to heal from his past grievances.

A Long-Awaited Hall of Fame Induction

Despite being honored by the Seahawks in 2002, Easley had to wait another 15 years for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His candidacy was supported by many, including Ronnie Lott, a fellow 1981 first-round pick and one of the best safeties in football history.

Lott praised Easley, saying, “There was no one that got me excited about playing the game of football than when I watched him… There’s no one more deserving.” Easley’s legacy in the Seahawks history continues to inspire and resonate with fans and players alike.