NFL fans lost one of the league’s greatest big men Tuesday—way too soon.
As TMZ first reported, Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy died at the age of 48.
His death was confirmed by family members.
The third overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Kennedy played his entire career—11 seasons—as a Seattle Seahawk, notching eight Pro Bowl appearances and NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1992. He finished his career off in 2000 with 58 sacks and 568 tackles, and had his jersey No. 96 retired by the Seahawks in 2012.
Pro Football HOF President David Baker told TMZ:
“The entire Hall of Fame family is stunned and deeply saddened to learn the news of Cortez Kennedy’s passing….Cortez will be remembered not only for all his great achievements on the football field but how he handled himself off the field. He epitomized the many great values this game teaches which serves as inspiration to millions of fans.”
Below, watch Kennedy’s jersey retirement ceremony.
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