Kenny Easley, the Seattle Seahawks star and Pro Football Hall of Famer whose toughness and skills made him a defensive powerhouse, has died at 66.In an official statement on Nov. 15, the Seattle NFL team honored the legend for his leadership, intensity, and lasting impact. The Seahawks penned:"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks Legend Kenny Easley. 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."They continued:"As a man of faith, Kenny will forever be remembered as a beloved member of the Seahawks family, and his legacy will live on as inspiration to fans around the world."Kenny Easley is survived by his wife, Gail, and his children, Kendrick, Gabriel, and Giordanna.Kenny Easley: A glimpse into his Seahawks careerKenny Easley was reputedly recruited by over 300 colleges before he selected the University of California, Los Angeles, and played for the Bruins football team.In 1981, a fresh pick from UCLA, Easley quickly established himself as a force by helping the Seahawks achieve new heights. He helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in 1983 and played a key role in the 1984 season, when the Seahawks set a post-merger NFL record by forcing 63 turnovers.During that momentous 1984 season, Kenny Easley had 10 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and became the first Seahawks athlete ever to receive the Defensive Player of the Year title. His record as a three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro-Bowler in seven seasons catapulted him to a slot in the coveted 1980s All-Decade Team.Kenny Easley also clinched the epithet "The Enforcer" for his contributions and impact.Sadly, his NFL career came to an abrupt halt due to kidney disease.For 15 years following his diagnosis, Easley kept his distance from football and from his former team. Later, he sued the Seahawks for the alleged large doses of Advil (ibuprofen) for his ankle injury, which reportedly damaged his kidneys.Easley claimed that he took the medication without proper medical supervision, and they only realized the severity of his condition when he failed the Cardinals' physical in 1986.Further, he said that the team permitted him to play his final season without knowledge of the disease. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court in the 1990s.Easley received a new kidney transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle in 1990.Fast forward, the Professional Football Researchers Association named the former Seahawks star to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2012.In 2016, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2017 class declared Easley a senior finalist, while he was elected for the aforementioned role the following year.