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Kenny Easley
1959 - 2025
Kenny Easley
1959 - 2025
Obituary
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BORN
1959
DIED
2025
Kenny Easley Obituary
Born January 15, 1959, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Easley attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he became a three-time consensus All-American and the first player in Pac-10 history to earn first-team all-conference honors four times.
The Seahawks drafted him fourth overall in 1981, and during his seven-season career, he recorded 32 interceptions, leading the NFL with ten in 1984. He won Defensive Player of the Year honors that same season.
Although a kidney disease prematurely ended his playing days, the franchise ultimately retired his No. 45. He was inducted into Seattle's Ring of Honor in 2002; he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Easley's career and legacy resonated well beyond the field. Known by the nickname "The Enforcer," he became a symbol of toughness and excellence at the safety position-earning wide respect as one of the game's most dominant defensive backs of his era.
Off the field, he navigated serious health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 1990 after a prolonged dispute over medication use while playing.
Easley is survived by his wife, Gail, and children Kendrick, Gabrielle, and Giordanna.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
19 Entries
Michael Scott
Yesterday
Sorry for your loss Easley family.
May the God of all comfort give you solice during this time of distress.
Scottie
Steven Edwards
Yesterday
My family and I would like to express our condolences on the passing of Kenny.
I competed against Kenny in his junior and senior years of high school in basketball and track. He was as competitive in those sports as he was in football. He was a great triple jumper who was always supporting his fellow jumpers. Rest in peace my friend.
Steven Edwards
I. C. Norcom Alumni (1977)
Diane Chino
Yesterday
I am so very sorry to hear of Kenny´s passing. He was truly an exceptional man in so many ways.
Howard Finck
Yesterday
Kenny spend a lot of time giving to the community, including the kids at the organization I was affiliated with. God bless him.
How you can show support
Michael Audie Wroton
November 19, 2025
The Truitt Jr. High Football Team of '70,'71 Chesapeake City Champions mourn the loss of Kenny Easley, We will always remember Kenny as a stand out and stand up football player! God Bless his Family in this time of loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael (Audie) Wroton
James Burnham, Jr.
November 19, 2025
Sorry to hear about are loss of you. RIP.
RB
November 19, 2025
An incredible NFL player, he was a great part of the Seahawks. His playing on the field and demeanor off the field made him one of a kind. Sincere condolences to the Easley family, so very sorry for your loss. May God give peace and comfort to you all as you go through this most difficult time,
Simon Alarcon
November 18, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
The Alarcon Family.
Sandy White
November 18, 2025
Sorry to hear about Kenny passing
We went to Oscar Smith together.
Kenny always was a kind and caring person.
Keeping the family in my prayers.
Sharon (White) Spikes
November 18, 2025
I went to school with Kenny in Chesapeake Virginia, I´m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for the family.
Doris Riley
November 18, 2025
The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenee D.
November 18, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Kenny. May you continue to be surrounded by and comforted with the love and support you need, fond memories, and the knowledge that he is safe in God´s memory.
MM
November 18, 2025
Deepest condolences to the Easley family.
Robin
November 18, 2025
Although our teams didn't play each other often(Bears- NFC Central; Seahawks- AFC West), besides trying to keep up with Largent and that rising offense, there was you, ONE OF THE BEST SAFETIES EVER, and that young talented defense. I was saddened when you had to retire because of your health, and elated when you became an NFL Hall Of Famer. I'm sorry to hear of your loss to your family, I was a great fan of yours.
Heidi (Lewis) Berday
November 17, 2025
So sorry to hear of Kenny's passing and health issues. I was a college intern for him at Makena's Sports, and worked for him directly. He expected excellence, was a great leader. Beyond sports, he loved his family and was a legend in Seattle and I saw this everyday when I worked with him. Gail (my mother was Cheryl Lewis- a realtor and considered you her friend-- she passed 7 years ago but had the utmost regard for Kenny and you. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Rosemary
November 17, 2025
My condolences to the family and friends of my Bruin classmate, Mr. Easley, rest in eternal peace.
Charlie Best
November 17, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. Undoubtedly, Kenny lived his dream of becoming a football players. Being a part of the NFL
gave Kenny the opportunity to entertain many people. His memory of entertaining others will live on in the memories of those who knew Kenny. May Kenny rest peacefully in the memory of our Heavenly Father.
Christine Phelps
November 17, 2025
I watched the Hall of Fame Game when Kenny Easley was inducted in the Hall of Fame R.I.P. to Kenny Easley you made Chesapeake proud sending prayers and condolences to the family
Susan
November 17, 2025
I loved watching Kenny play.
My condolences.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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