One of the NFL’s most feared defensive linemen has passed away much too soon.
Former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy died Tuesday at age 48, the Orlando Police Department announced.
Orlando police confirmed they are investigating Kennedy’s death but said there is “nothing suspicious to report” about his demise, according to ESPN.
Kennedy starred at the University of Miami before going third overall to Seattle in the 1990 NFL Draft. He played his entire 11-year career with the Seahawks, earning eight Pro Bowl nods while racking up 58 career sacks and serving as an elite run-stopper. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and selected to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade team.
Kennedy was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and had his No. 96 retired by Seattle in the same year.
The Seahawks released a statement on social media shortly after Kennedy’s passing.
Several current and former NFL players also took to social media to pay their respects to Kennedy, including Houston Texans defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who called him a “mentor” and “close friend.”
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
