Pro Football Hall of Famer Kenny Easley Dies at 66

Kenny Easley, a Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and Seattle Seahawks legend known as "The Enforcer" for his hard-hitting style, died Friday night at age 66, the Hall of Fame announced Saturday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

The Seahawks, for whom Easley played his entire seven-year NFL career, issued a statement expressing deep sadness. "Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity and fearlessness," the team said. "His intimidating nature and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all time." The organization extended condolences to Easley's wife, Gail, and their three children: son Kendrick and daughters Gabrielle and Giordanna.

Easley, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, starred at UCLA before entering the NFL. As a college standout, he earned three All-American honors and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1980, the highest placement for a defensive back since the 1970s. The Seahawks selected him fourth overall in the 1981 draft, and he quickly anchored their defense.

Over his tenure in Seattle from 1981 to 1987, Easley established himself as one of the league's premier safeties. He earned five Pro Bowl...