Kenny Easley
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
206 lb (93 kg)
Born:
January 15, 1959
Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
UCLA (1977–1980)
Kenny Easley was one of the most dominant defensive backs of the 1980s. Known for his size, instincts, and punishing hits, Easley redefined the safety position during his seven-year career with the Seattle Seahawks. A five-time Pro Bowler and 1984 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Easley had an uncanny ability to track the ball and deliver game-changing plays.
He recorded 32 interceptions in just 89 games, including a league-leading 10 in 1984. Easley helped lead Seattle to its first-ever playoff wins and anchored a fearsome secondary nicknamed the “Legion of Boom” long before it was popular. Chronic kidney issues forced him into early retirement, cutting short what many believed would be an all-time career.
Still, his elite impact over a short span earned him a long-awaited induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Easley's Awards and Honors
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1982–1985)
- Second-team All-Pro (1987)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1982–1985, 1987)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)
- 2× Unanimous All-American (1979, 1980)
- Consensus All-American (1978)
- 4× First-team All-Pac-10 (1977–1980)
- UCLA Bruins No. 5 retired
NFL Records
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1984)
- NFL interceptions leader (1984)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Only safety in Seahawks history with 3+ Pro Bowl
NFL Teams
Seattle Seahawks (1981–1987)
NFL Draft:
1981: 1st round, 4th pick
Seattle Seahawks
Number Worn:
45
NFL Stats
Seasons:
7 (1981–1987)
Games Played:
89
Interceptions:
32
Interception Return Yards:
538
Touchdowns:
3
Fumble Recoveries:
8
Sacks:
8.0
Forced Fumbles:
11