This is your chance to help Kenny Easley

Earlier this week I received an email from regular contributor in the comments section Bobby K. He asked me if the community on this website could offer some assistance and I was very happy to oblige. I’ll let him explain in his own words what he needs from us. I hope you’ll all get involved. Bob and Kenny deserve our support.

If you want a bit of background information, check out the video above.

*****************************************

A message to the community from Bobby K,

I was approached by former Seahawks safety Kenny Easley last August about helping him write his autobiography. Though I feel unqualified from a journalistic perspective, it was an opportunity I could not decline.

I would like to ask Seahawks fans, you, for your help. The people who comment here are knowledgeable and I respect you all greatly. I am only one person and I believe our manuscript has a lot of great information. However, I’m here to ask you, the fans, what you would be most interested in reading in his autobiography? Maybe I have already covered it but I can’t help but think I could possibly be unintentionally missing something that may be of interest.

For those of you who remember those teams Easley played on, what are some questions you would like to see answered in the book?

If you are too young to remember that decade but care about Seahawks history, what are some things you would like to learn about?

These questions do not have to be only about the Seahawks years (1981-1987). They can be about growing up in Virginia, going to school at UCLA, his post-Seahawks career, Ring of Honor, Hall of Fame, etc.

I am going to read every comment and take notes on what can be added and relay this information to the original Enforcer. Your voice will be heard.

If you have a great question, your answer may not appear in the book. I don’t want you to think I didn’t ask. He doesn’t remember every detail. For example, I wanted to write about the Monday Night Football game vs. Bo Jackson and the Raiders from 1987. People remember that as the Bo Jackson running over Brian Bozworth game. However, as much as I would like to write about it – we just can’t.

Anyway, thank you for your consideration, thanks to Rob for the forum, and I would like to give an early thank you to all of you who comment below.

Sincerely,

Bob Kaupang (BobbyK)

64 Comments

  1. Big Mike

    Wow how very cool for you Bobby K.!
    I don’t know if Kenny would be willing to answer my question without throwing people under the bus, but I am very curious to know what he feels the reasons are that the Hawks fell just short of making the Super Bowl during his time in Seattle.
    Here’s another I’m guessing he’ll definitely be willing to address: I also have ALWAYS felt that if the Hawks had made the playoffs in ’86 they would’ve at the very least made the Super Bowl. They crushed Denver the last game of the regular season and the Donkeys went on to rep the AFC in the Super Bowl. They also beat the Giants in the regular season and that’s the team that won the whole thing. I’m wondering if he feels like I do that without the mid-season slump (they lost 4 in a row after that win vs. the Giants) would the Hawks made it to and possible even won the Big One. Also, what happened to cause that slump?

    • Big Mike

      And btw Bobby, a big thanks to you too for all your work in helping get Kenny into the HOF, an honor that any Hawks fan that watched in those days knows full well was totally deserved.

      • BobbyK

        Thanks – this has been a lot of fun. All the work doesn’t seem like work.

      • Rob Staton

        Bob is a hero

        • BobbyK

          You are a hero to most Seahawks fans! Nobody has a site as credible as this – I would bet not just the Seahawks either. But all NFL teams.

          • Rob Staton

            I’m just a bloke in Britain who writes a blog — you’re a true hero, doing so much to get Kenny Easley in the HOF. You sir are a giant among Seahawks fans.

          • Redzone086

            Does Kenny or any other Seahawks player former or current follow and comment on this site?

  2. DC

    I have a few things:

    1. I want to know about Kenny Easley the man, not just the football player. Specifically his injuries and reasons for retiring, his family. I’m sure football is the only part of Kenny we know much about, but I’m sure that’s only a small part of who he is. What’s important to him?

    2. Playing in the 80’s
    a. What was it like playing in the 80’s before all the rules and offenses started changing making things more difficult on the defense?
    b. Ronnie Lott and Kenny are compared a lot, w/ Ronnie making great compliments to Kenny and likewise. What kind of relationships did he develop with players while he was playing and after retirement? Was there any rivalries or bad blood between players or is that mostly driven by fans?

    3. Favorite player growing up, while he played and since he’s retired? Who did he hate playing against?

    4. Most memorable moment as a Seahawk, both on and off the field. Any crazy stories?

    5. Did he give Kam Chancellor are hard time when he dated his daughter in highschool?

  3. seaspunj

    3 things I would like to read about for ideas

    1. how was he recruited to College how did Kenny start football and decide to make it a career? was there areas he worked at prior to to get better the struggle and hidden price of success he paid to be recruited as an athlete. What made him dedicate his craft? (This is mainly from watching the last dance series). people can always cheer for people who work hard in the hidden places and get rewarded from that hard work. Basically what was Kenny’s drive and determination that pushed him to want to be a football player?

    2. Seahawks era
    ex Seahawk teammates share stories where Kenny did something that shifted the game or how Kenny covered for the teammate on the field.

    I remember as an example Hutchinson sharing how Walter Jones covered some of his deficiencies and yelled Walt! When a d lineman was breaking through and Walt covered Hutchinson from that

    Achievements as a player was he a leader? what impact he made for the safety position that is comparable for players who play the game today?

    What was his relationship with the coaches?

    3. Misdiagnosis and sickness from injury and the tensions from it. was there controversy? Mistrust?

    4. Was there some sort of forgiveness and how they repaired the fractured relationship

    5. If Kenny were to do it over again what would he do differently?

    Best of luck on the book!

    • seaspunj

      more than 3 things … lol

  4. Ross

    I loved watching Easley as an avid ‘Hawks fan in my teenage years. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of my entire family watching Seahawks games.

    I’d love to read about:
    1) What was the locker room atmosphere like when the team earned it’s first playoff berth in ’83? What did Chuck Knox say to the team after they beat New England to get to the playoffs?

    2) How difficult it was to defend against Elway? Did you approach his games differently than other QBs?

    Thanks!

    • Big Mike

      I was at that game vs. NE that got them in the playoffs for the first time. A fantastic memory! IIRC, the first hand Knox shook as the game ended was Curt Warner’s.

  5. 12th chuck

    thank you Bobby K!
    I would love to know, what players in recent history he would’ve liked to play with from the Seahawks, if any. also, if what he thinks about the rule changes helping out the offenses. thanks!

  6. Hoggs41

    I always love hearing players talk about players they played against. A question I would have was which running backs that you played against were guys you maybe didnt want to keep tackling time after time as they would wear you down. Or maybe a lineman you would see coming at you to block and you would want no part of. I know he is tough as nails and wouldnt back down but everyone has guys they think twice about taking on.

  7. SeaTown

    Thanks much for doing this. If you ever need an extra pair of eyes editing let me know. Ok a few questions:

    1-I’d love to hear about the 1983 championship loss to the Raiders and how that fed into the 1984 redemption in the WC game. That was a classic Seahawks/Raiders battle. Kenny actually returned punts that game.

    2- Is it true that he referred to the Mark’s brothers (Duper & Clayton) as piss ants? LOL I vaguely remember that he called them piss ants prior to the playoff rematch in 1984.

    3- Let’s ask him about the 1987 team. Strike year! The year of the Boz! What was that whole situation like?

    4- Also, the playoff loss in Houston in 1987. Fredd Young caught that ball in OT, right? 🙂

    • SeaTown

      5- How about asking abut the D Coordinator Tom Catlin. Would love to hear some stories about him. A great D coordinator that we didn’t hear much about.

  8. Mike

    Wow, how cool (maybe a little intimidating) to do that!

    Im mostly interested about the division rivalries when the Hawks were in the AFC. Wasn’t born to watch him, so I admit my naiveté there. Which were the teams that were the biggest rivals in the locker room. Any cool stories, locker room speeches, stories about other players, etc. Any moments from games you wish you could have back in the division?

  9. DAWGfan

    KE was far and away my favorite player growing up. Had the “ENFORCER” poster on my wall until it basically faded away and had more holes than paper.

    How did a kid from VA get to UCLA? Pretty uncommon at that time for someone to travel across the country?

    What did he think of being drafted by Seattle who at that time were known more for gimmick plays than winning?

    What did he like/love most about the NW? Where did he live in the area? Where did he raise his family?

    What team did he enjoy/relish playing against and why?

    Did all the praise players for offensive like Largent, Zorn, Warner, and Krieg, cause any division in the locker room?

    Who did he really not like as a player/person during his playing days and why?

    How did players train in the off season, many had 2nd jobs in the early 80’s to support their families.

    What was Chuck Knox like outside the lines?

    Did he ever associate with the owners and how passionate were they about football in his opinion(business or a passion?)?

    We know there were hard feelings from him towards the franchise. What was the impetus to come back in the “fold” and what is his role with the organization now?

    Man as a kid who grew up in Kirkland in the 80’s this brings back a lot of great memories.

  10. pdway

    My q’s all feel more like interview q’s – but here goes:

    – best individual game he ever had at any level
    – best players he played against
    – best players he played with and why

    – changes in the game from his era to today & favorite players from today

    – athletes he admires; non-athletes he admires

  11. UkAlex6674

    How much truth was there in the trade rumours in 1986 when the Hawks were allegedly shopping him around so they could get the 1st pick in the 1987 draft?

  12. Gaux Hawks

    fascinating… taking a step back, i’d love to read about his interpretation of how the position, organization, and league has evolved over the last forty years. almost a micro-to-macro firsthand view through a players lens and experience of how the seahawks have grown, from the safety position to the league and how those changes are potentially correlated and intertwined overtime. either way, excited for the read, bobby!

  13. John L

    He played his entire career at strong safety, and I used to wonder what would happen if Knox and Catlin would have moved him to free safety. So my question for Mr. Easley is … did you ever want to switch to free safety and if so, did you ever ask to be moved?

    • BobbyK

      We cover that topic in detail!

  14. Volume12

    That’s very cool that he approached you about wanting your help to write his autobiography. Congrats.

  15. BobbyK

    Thank you for all of the questions so far!

  16. Michigan12th

    Sorry I am of no help those teams were before my day. I will definitely read the book when it comes out though. Thank you for the opportunity though.

  17. pdway

    If i recall correctly – – wasn’t he a really good basketball player?

    Any fun b-ball anecdotes would be interesting too.

  18. Shane B

    What an opportunity. I vividly remember the Hawks drafting Kenny Easley and how excited I was as a young football fan, I remember at the time leading up to the draft about how “in that day” a safety can not be picked that early in the NFL draft.He clearly seemed to be among the best players along with LT & Hugh Green. At the time I remember people talking about how could we have passed up a DE/LB Hugh Green. Anyways enough with memory lane. I would be curious to know if Kenny felt any added pressure for being the 4th overall pick because he was a Safety or if he felt he had to prove anything for being drafted so high as a safety. In those days a safety was not considered an impact position to warrant such a high pick. It was even a big deal that Ronnie Lot went #8 but justified because he could play or was projected to play corner, but Kenny was a true safety. He was an immediate impact from day 1 and as a middle school kid that loved the Sea-hawks in my opinion was the best player on the field. To this day I wonder why Safeties are not suppose to be picked that high because to me he instantly made that defense better.

  19. Happy Hawk

    The Enforcer was one of my favorite Hawks of all time. Great project. If I remember right Easley was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. I would like to know about his basketball background and if he ever consider playing in the NBA or being in 2 sports ala Bo Jackson. Did he play hoops with Kiki Vandeweigh or Keith Wilkes while at Ucla or other greats? Biggest hit he ever laid on someone? Thanks Bobby!

  20. Ukhawk

    Growing up as a teen Seahawks fan in the 80s

    Kenny Easley is hands down my favorite player of all time

    Pls dig into, what molded him into a star:
    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cantonrep.com/sports/20170801/kenny-easleys-success-rooted-in-upbringing-talent%3ftemplate=ampart

    What his peers thought of him like coaches, rival coaches, teammates and rival players:
    https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/18400/nfc-west-hall-of-fame-debate

    Kenny by Paul Moyer…wow:

    https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=SxgsDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT50&lpg=PT50&dq=todd+christensen+on+kenny+easley&source=bl&ots=Yak1UMHsI7&sig=ACfU3U0pnC5cNmtDiDRwyRDJZBU5W1OCBg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjb2rKJhtrpAhViSxUIHVxhAwAQ6AEwAHoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=todd%20christensen%20on%20kenny%20easley&f=false

    Please please rehash the 1984 pro bowl story and Todd Christiansen’s comments on that game and the practice: (can’t find the full story)

    http://sportspressnw.com/2194178/2014/sherman-climbs-list-of-super-bowl-era-greats

    Easley was this good: During the 1984 Pro Bowl, Easley, normally a strong safety, was asked if he would switch to cornerback in the second quarter. Although he’d never played the position, none of the three NFC receivers he covered, James Lofton, Art Monk and Roy Green, caught a pass.
    “That guy was a stud,” Raiders TE Todd Christiansen told reporters after the game.

    Can’t find the quotes but I remember Christiansen saying, if I recall, that he was so possessed, he didn’t let anyone catch a pass in practice either.

    Maybe after you Bobby, I’m his biggest fan.

    He was the LT of safeties IMO

  21. SandJuggler

    ‘Grats Bobby! What a dream opportunity!

    Easley has been and is my favorite player of any sport, period. Part of that might’ve been the time I was watching him (early teens) but I swear he put 2-3 players on the bench EVERY. SINGLE. GAME. with his devastating hits.

    Man, I want to know everything. Growing up (like the Bo Jackson backstory) and his influences and what made him who he was. His thoughts on his popular teammates for the ‘Hawks. His fiercest rivals, friends in the league. If he really was head-hunting and how he cultivated the intimidating play (and the effect it had on opponents). I feel like the rivalry with Todd Christiansen was great and would love to get his thoughts on him (and the Raiders as a whole). What he thinks of the NFL today and who he admires in today’s NFL and Seahawks. How he thinks his game would translate to today’s NFL. I could go on and on 🙂

  22. Mike

    3 questions:

    How hard was Largent to cover in practice?

    And what was his reaction to the hit Largent put on Atwater?

    During his time with the Hawks, who were the biggest unsung players on the team?

  23. dcd2

    Plenty of great questions in here to choose from, so no need to add mine. Just let Kenny know that we diehard fans appreciate, respect and love him. If you need security at the book signing, I volunteer. Would absolutely love to meet that legend. Please give his family and him our best.

    Also, I’ve told you before, but that video gets me misty every time. Such a badass teaching moment for a teacher of young minds – One person truly can make a difference. Much respect to you as well for your role in everything Bobby.

  24. HAWKTALKER#1

    Rob

    Thanks for allowing this post to happen. In the midst of a crap off season, This was sincerely something that I could get fired up about.

  25. Duck07

    What memories of the Kingdome stand out?

  26. Steve Nelsen

    When did he begin getting the rep as a big hitter? HS? College? Once he had that rep, did it change how he carried himself off the field?

  27. Tyler A Jorgensen

    One thing not already mentioned – I always found fascinating is that he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, and I’d like to know his thoughts on playing basketball, if he feels he could have made the NBA, and if UCLA’s basketball dominance as he grew up played any part in his attending school there.

    Loved Kenny Easley. Had the Costocos Brothers poster on my wall (did I spell their name right?)

  28. charlietheunicorn

    A very interesting question would be along the lines of his falling out with the Seahawks, then how the team was able to win him over to return and be inducted in the ring of honor. It is something like a 20+ year tale which could really delve into all kinds of other side topics.

    What did it mean to him to be a Seahawk then and what does it mean to him now?

    Some of the obvious questions involve team-mates… or influences upon him early in his career.

    What was it like playing with Brian Bosworth… or you could ask Boz what it was like playing with Easily…. lol There are some other guys this could easily translate to some awesome conversations.

    Where does he see the NFL in 10 or 20 years?

    Does he think football is safe for children to play? etc.

    My suggestion, make the book more like you were talking with a long-time friend. Candid conversations are always the best. You could talk to team-mates about various stories for background information, then you have ammo to take with you into conversations with him.

    Bobby K, it is an honor for someone to entrust you to produce their biography. Top it off with a legendary Seahawk at that… Keep up the good work!

  29. Jim Kelly

    Kenny, Bob, and Rob,

    I grew up in Kirkland and Issaquah. We’d ride our bikes from Totem Lake/John Muir/Kamiakin area to downtown Kirkland so we could watch practices. Security would boot us, but it would be great to see the Seahawks on an off day from school.

    When we moved to Issaquah in ’83, and whenever we’d travel between the two cities, we’d be sure to go by Mike Tice’s “Fill Yer Belly Deli”. We were always hoping to see one of the Seahawks there. The only time we did, we wished that we hadn’t; during the ’87 strike, it closed for a team meeting. We saw several players arguing. It seemed so weird to see the team everyone thought of as our family fighting among themselves.

    I was of two minds about the strike; I’d just turned 18, was part of a union, and associated with the players, so I was on your side. But I felt sorry for the Nordstrom family. They were the last owners to get replacement players because they were so devoted to the players. It was great growing up in the Seattle area in the ’70s and ’80s; people were more like family, and less like bosses and employees. That changed as I got older. The cynic in me says that I just began noticing it, while the innocent in me hopes that the world did change.

    Either way, I have always been a fan of you, Mr. Easley. I still have most of the Seahawks Insider magazines, your jerseys, and your autographed picture. That picture is why I’m writing, and hoping that Rob and Bobby K will forward my thanks.

    During the strike, my mother was enraged about the loss of games. She didn’t blame the team, but the system. She sent you a letter, I don’t know what it said, but the autographed picture that you sent her touched her so deeply that even in the late ’90s, when she had dementia, seeing you squaring up to make a tackle would entice a smile, and bring back a little of who she used to be.

    I was gut punched when you were traded, and not seeing any other Seattle icon being traded hurt like yours did.

    I still have that picture. It will always hang upon my wall. I will always be a fan of your playing days, but I will admire you because of the man that you are.

    Thank you for the happiness that you brought my family on the field, but especially thank you for opening up, and bringing such joy to my family off of the field.

    Go Hawks.

    God Bless, Mr. Easley.

  30. Seahawcrates

    What a joy to see this post! Kenny Easley was my favorite Seahawk. He transformed that defense because he could do everything. Cover, hit, blitz, stuff the run at the line of scrimmage, even return punts. I hated what happened to him at the end, but I’m sure you will cover that.
    I’d also love to hear his inside take on the strike and his union leadership, what he felt was accomplished and what wasn’t. I’d be interested in his thoughts on the difficulties he encountered in terms of labor solidarity as well as the tactics of management. I am interested in stories he could tell I’d trying to keep the players organized and unified and the stress and tension he suffered. I’d also be interested on his thoughts about the current agreement.
    I’d also love to read his thoughts on why he decided to become a publisher and start Inside The Seahawks while playing. What was his vision for the paper and what did he learn from the experience?
    The background on this venture would be fascinating.
    Please let him know that my favorite picture is my five year old niece wearing a baddass Kenny Easley jersey!

  31. GoHawksDani

    I don’t have a specific question to Kenny, I’d just like to know how will this be published? Will I be able to order it on Amazon (international shipping) or as an e-book?
    OK, maybe two questions: What does he see as main differences between his team and today’s Seahawks team?
    And if he could choose one player from the PCJS era to play with who would it be?

    Thanks Bobby, you’re awesome!

  32. BobbyK

    Thanks so much for the questions. I have tried covering many of these topics in some form (and a few he doesn’t he want to get into much) but there were some things that I definitely intend to add, too. I really appreciate it and any that still might come from any of you later today!

  33. Ashish

    I’m so pissed seeing articles with this headings. What the f**k he is looking for. Respect to get respect. You’re good but and not super star you should know by now duh…I’m losing respect day by day
    https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/saints-express-interest-in-clowney

    • Rob Staton

      Why?

      He can do what he wants. I actually have more respect for him sticking to what he believes he’s worth.

    • charlietheunicorn

      Why does the movie “Jerry Maquire” come to mind. It is all about the ‘quan. lol

    • Trevor

      I don’t even click to read the Clowney stories anymore. If he signs with Seattle great we certainly need him. If not I will never give him another thought. I view him much the same as Sheldon Rickardson. I was excited when we traded for him thinking he would become a core guy but it just never happened and his one year stop was largely unmemorable. I never had any attarchement to him as a fan and I don’t to Clowney either. They play for the $ and good for them. Not worth getting upset about.

  34. Trevor

    Bobby this is so cool and thanks for involving the Seahawks Draft Blog community. Easley was my favourite Hawks defensive player and big reason I became a Hawks fan. Can’t wait to see the finnished version and find out more about a Hawks legend who always seemed to prefer being out of the spotlight.

    All I can say is boy could this Hawks defense use Kenny Easley to elevate the play of every guy on that side of the ball. I don’t think any player even Ronnie Lott or Kam struck as much fear into opponents as Easley did.

  35. RWIII

    Would like to hear about the Seahawks-Raiders rivalry.

  36. Frank

    That’s unfortunately before I was old enough to really remember, or maybe it was the 13 years of playing football or the 20 years between kickboxing, boxing and cage fighting, probably a little blame from a few pretty wicked snowboarding crashes, but what an amazing opportunity for you Bobby K!! I wish I could remember back that far, to offer some suggestions or antidotal ramblings but I don’t. I will definitely buy it the moment it’s available, huge congratulations for getting to love what you do and best of luck!!!!

  37. Bertelli

    I remember the very first time I was able to watch Kenny Easley in game action. It was the opening of the 1978 UW Football season. The Huskies had just won the previous Rose Bowl and my Dad happened to get us seats in something they called the “family plan” at the time. The seats weren’t great, but the one thing that stood out was that we were in the West end zone of Husky stadium just above the tunnel where the players ran out. As a 12 year old attending his first Husky game, I was in awe of how big the players looked to me that close up. Well, the rain was pouring that day and there wasn’t much offense on either side, but one play has stood out to me over the years. UCLA led 3-0 in the 2nd quarter and the Huskies were set to punt. You could see this guy lined up wider than I’d ever seen and the next thing you know, he blocks the punt and all I remember after that is the other Bruin (can’t remember his name) running to the end zone. The guy that blocked that punt? None other than Kenny Easley. I still remember my brother and I looking at each other and saying, how did he block that kick? He’s going to be playing on Sundays! I believe he was a Sophomore at the time, but you could see the talent was there. Anyway, I’d be curious to know if he remembers that particular play and if so, was it a planned block or just sheer athleticism? Thanks for reading my memories!

    • Bertelli

      By the way, we lost that game 10-7, his play was basically the difference

  38. Stevo

    Good move BobbyK. Thanks.

  39. no frickin clue

    Bobby, thanks for putting this together! Very much looking forward to it. I have a bunch of questions, most of which are team culture-related:

    – at what point in your Seahawks career did you realize that you were one of the leaders on the defense? Was there a moment in a season, a game, a practice, where you sort of ‘stepped up’ and took on that responsibility?

    – in your 7-year career with the Hawks, which teammate had the best sense of humor? Can you share an anecdote that illustrates it?

    – when you first joined the Seahawks, was there a veteran who took you under his wing and helped show you the ropes in making that transition from college to pro?

    – what sort of rookie hazing (if any) did you undergo in your first year in 1981? Carry the veterans’ bags, stuff like that?

    – you started out with Jack Patera in 1981, and Chuck Knox took the reins in 1983. Which head coach did you prefer to play for, and why?

    – if you had to pick a teammate who you thought was the most immensely talented, but never had a chance to really show it on the field because of injury, who would that be?

  40. Jared

    The ’80’s was an awesome time to be a kid, from Star Wars, GI Joes, Indiana Jones and the Hawks! I miss you Bill the Beerman and Wayne Cody! My best friend had Largent as his favorite player so mine was #45, my favorite all-time Hawk! Most often, both our guys would have great games. Ronnie Lott was solid, but I always thought Easley and our rival Raiders, Lester Hayes were a great comparison.

    “Mr. Easley, who was your childhood hero?”

    Thank you for being mine!

  41. Andrew Rothgery

    Dear Kenny Easley,
    I just want to know what was going on in your head when you were running around terrorizing the whole defensive side of the football field. When an offensive lineman, a blocking fullback or an RB was coming your way what were you thinking or feeling? Were there words in your head or out of your mouth? Or was it all adrenaline? Most of all, what was going through your head when a receiver dared go across the middle?

    I just watched the Easley/ Bob Kaupang HOF video for the first time and was truly moved, as Easley was to me like a mythical human too, as he was to Bob. I was 14 in 1983 and though I loved Dave Krieg, John L. and Curt Warner, Easley was always my favorite.

    Bob, thanks for making the long overdue HOF a reality.

    Kenny, thank you for everything. You were a joy to watch play the game of football.

    Andrew

  42. DougM

    Thank you, BobbyK.

    There are events in my life that have caused an exceeding amount of joy.

    1. The day I was married to the love of my life.
    2. The days that my children were born.
    3. And the day the Seahawks drafted Kenny Easley, my favorite college football player.

  43. Michael Hasslinger

    Kenny Easley, during my childhood, was the most important Seahawk. More than Largent. More than Zorn. More than Kreig. More than Warner.

    Kenny Easley is the Kam Chancellor of the decade of relevance that was the 1980’s.

    The day Easley was traded was the day I stopped watching every week.

    Easley was the tone setter. He was the leader.

    I equate the loss of Easley to that of Kam Chancellor and Marshawn Lynch.

    Irreplaceable. Easley, if drafted by San Francisco, would have been considered the best safety ever.

    • Michael Hasslinger

      They play from Easley I most remember comes with huge gaps. He intercepted a pass deep in Seattle territory… maybe their endzone. He came up hurt. Yet the interception changed the course of the game.

      Easley always put his body on the line for Seattle. Easley LOVED football.

      If I ever do buy a Seattle jersey, it will be a 45. No one should ever wear that number. No one.

      • Michael Hasslinger

        The play I speak of came from the amazing voice of Pete Gross.

        Chills thinking of LISTENING to Seahawk football games on my AM radio. Times have changed.

        • Michael Hasslinger

          How heartbreaking was the loss to the Raiders in the 83′ AFC Championship game?
          Do you think you are better than Ronnie Lott? Steve Atwater?

          • IHeartTacoma

            Steve Atwater was really good. He doesn’t get enough recognition. Any Seahawks fan from that era sure remembers him.
            That must have been the Golden Age for safeties.

  44. IHeartTacoma

    I loved watching Kenny Easley play. Here are three random thoughts:
    – I remember the game at Husky Stadium when he blocked a punt to win a game. I seem to remember him returning punts as well.
    – He was a star QB in high school. That was then, this is now: Would he go to college as a QB today? The NFL? What was his best position, really.
    – He was from the Tidewater… we know the Kam Chancellor connection, who were some of Ken Easley’s contemporaries in high school that we may have heard of.

    Good luck with the book. It is easy to say sports are trivial compared to our current problems, but I believe our teams and players bring us together and that’s important.

  45. MTSeahawkFan

    The camaraderie of the 80’s players really stood out. I’d love to hear about that and any memories on the cheesy video “The Blue Wave is on a Roll”.

  46. Duceyq

    Congrats BobbyK and this great honor and thank you for opening this up to this forum. Kenny was my favorite Seahawk growing up and was saddened to see his career end so abruptly.

    My questions:

    -Did he enjoy returning punts? He was so good at it and it was something I looked forward too every time he was back there set to return.

    -How does he think he would fair in today’s NFL with all the rule changes (hitting, defensive PI) and if he thinks these rule changes would’ve prolonged his career?

    -What player reminds him of himself the most in the last two decades?

    Thanks again and best of luck in telling his story.

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