WESTWOOD (CNS) - UCLA was mourning one of its greatest football players Saturday after former Bruins safety Kenny Easley, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his play with the Seattle Seahawks, died at the age of 66.
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Easley died Friday night, though details about his cause of death were not immediately available.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley," the Seahawks said in a statement. "Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity, and fearlessness. His intimidating nature and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all-time."
Easley was recruited by former UCLA head coach Terry Donahue out of Virginia, where he starred for Oscar F. Smith High School in South Norfolk. He made an immediate impact in Westwood, starting as a freshman at free safety and eventually becoming the first player in Pac-10 history to receive four first- team all-conference accolades.
He was drafted fourth overall by Seattle in 1981 and again made an immediate impact, logging 107 tackles and three interceptions and earning AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year recognition.
In 1984 he registered a league-leading and career-best 10 interceptions -- two of which he returned for touchdowns -- and was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
Despite playing just seven years professionally, Easley was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s. He finished his professional career with 498 tackles, eight sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries and 32 interceptions.
Easley retired after the 1987 season due to a severe kidney disease. He was inducted into the Seahawks' Ring of Honor in 2002.
Easley is survived by his wife Gail Easley, son Kendrick Easley and daughters Gabrielle Manhertz and Giordanna Easley. Plans for memorial services are pending.
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