Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, one of best and most popular players in Seahawks history died at 48 in Orlando Tuesday. Police confirmed his death and said “nothing suspicious” was found, although no cause of death was offered.
One of four Seahawks to make the hall after a playing career, all in Seattle, from 1990 to 2000, Kennedy was the third pick overall in the draft out of the University of Miami. Despite playing on a 2-14 team in 1992, Kennedy was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Ahead of his 2012 induction into Canton, his former Seahawks coach, Chuck Knox said, “He just did an outstanding job as a football player and as a person. He was fun to be around and I can just tell you he was a complete player and a fine person. I thought that (he should be in the Hall of Fame) from day one.”
More to come.
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In an era of forgettable Seahawks football, Cortez was maybe the one player you came to see. If only he had been to more than one playoff game.
His feat of D player of the year in 92 while on a 2-14 team was amazing.
I’m in shock at this news. From day one everyone knew he was something special. Chuck Knox used to say to the defensive coaches not to give him any specific responsibilities. Just let him hunt. Never forget how he stood with fans in front of the moving trucks when Ken Behring tried to move the team to LA or when Tez publicly questioned the validity of his contract since all verbiage referred to the Seattle Seahawks and if said name no longer existed was his contract null and void? You never hear players make that kind of statement today or do such actions.
One of the best athletes to represent Seattle on and off the field. Thoughts and prayers to the Kennedy family at this time. God Bless.
Good recall, J. He was one of a kind. and a kind one.
His character was so unassuming and yet impeccable. Every time I think of him I recall Bill Walsh announcing as the color guy in a game in S.F. “I don’t understand how a guy that looks like that can move that way.”
Respects to the Kennedy family at this time. We loved him too.
The man denied all expectations.
I’m thankful that he entered the Hall of Fame before dying. Another icon from my teen days…gone way too soon.