Hall of Fame Seahawks DT Cortez Kennedy dead at 48
May 23, 2017, 10:12 AM | Updated: 2:38 pm
Cortez Kennedy, a Seahawks Ring of Honor member and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has died. (AP)
(AP)
Pro Football Hall of Famer and Seahawks legend Cortez Kennedy has died. He was 48.
The Orlando Police Department confirmed to The Associated Press that Kennedy was found dead Tuesday morning. An investigation is being conducted, though police public information officer Wanda Miglio said there is nothing suspicious about his death.
Reaction to Kennedy’s death | Clayton on Kennedy | Audio: Dave Wyman
One of the best players in franchise history, Kennedy spent his entire 11-year career with the Seahawks, earning five All-Pro and eight Pro Bowl selections. The third overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft out of Miami, the defensive tackle made 58 career sacks and appeared at one point in 116 straight games, including a team record 100 consecutive starts.
Kennedy, who was born in Osceola, Arkansas on Aug. 23, 1968, was was named an All-American as a senior at Miami in 1989 and the 1992 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 1990s, he was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2006, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Seahawks released this statement Tuesday afternoon about Kennedy’s death:
Cortez Kennedy has been a pillar of the Seahawks franchise since joining the team as a rookie in 1990. Tez was the heart and soul of the Seahawks through the 1990s and endeared himself to 12s all across the Pacific Northwest as a player who played with a selfless and relentless approach to the game. Tez was an NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Seahawks Ambassador, but more than his on-field accomplishments, he was a loyal son, father, teammate and friend to many, possessing a larger-than-life personality and an infectious laugh. We extend our warmest thoughts and prayers to his parents, Ruby and Joe Harris, daughter Courtney, and entire family on the unfortunate loss of a life-long Seahawk. We are proud to have been represented by such a special person.
