Kenny Easley, 66: Undisclosed Cause of Death Prompts Focus on Severe Kidney Ailment From Ibuprofen Large Dose

Kenny Easley, the Seattle Seahawks great and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 66, his family confirmed through the Hall of Fame.

No official cause of death has been released. As tributes pour in across the NFL, renewed public interest has turned towards Easley's long documented kidney ailment, which he previously linked to large doses of ibuprofen during his playing career.

The undisclosed cause of death has placed fresh attention on that history, prompting fans to revisit one of the most prominent player health controversies of the 1980s.

Undisclosed Cause of Death and National Reaction

The Seahawks led tributes shortly after Easley's death was announced, describing him as a player who set the standard for leadership and fearlessness.

His former team-mates and coaches echoed those sentiments, framing him as a transformative figure in the evolution of the strong safety position.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame praised Easley for possessing 'rare intensity' and an unmatched ability to dominate games through both physicality and instinct.

Although the cause of death remains undisclosed, the widespread reaction reflects how deeply Easley's story continues to resonate with sports fans.

His past kidney ailment and legal battle have resurfaced not as speculation, but as context that still shapes his legacy and the broader conversation surrounding athlete health in high-impact sports.

Kidney Ailment and Ibuprofen Controversy Re-Enter Public Focus

Easley's career came to an abrupt end after the 1987 season when he was diagnosed with a severe kidney ailment.

He later alleged that the condition was caused by large doses of ibuprofen provided to him during his time with the Seahawks.

The dispute escalated into a lawsuit in 1989, during which Easley claimed the team failed to warn him about the potential long-term health effects of the medication. The case was eventually settled out of court.

While no connection has been established between that historic health crisis and his death, the resurfacing of the story reflects heightened public interest.

His experience remains one of the most cited examples in discussions about player health management and the medical oversight practices of earlier NFL eras.

A Dominant Career Built on Power, Precision and Leadership

Easley was drafted fourth overall by the Seahawks in 1981 after a standout collegiate career at UCLA. He quickly became one of the league's most explosive defensive players, earning the nickname 'The Enforcer' for his physical style and commanding presence in the secondary.

During his seven-year career, Easley recorded 32 interceptions and established himself as one of the defining strong safeties of the era.

His best season came in 1984, when he led the NFL with 10 interceptions and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Year.

He was selected to five Pro Bowls and earned First-team All-Pro honours three times, achievements that later secured his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Seahawks said Easley 'embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk' through his toughness and intensity, noting that his impact extended well beyond the field.