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Cortez Kennedy is a legendary player and one of the most-liked persons in the football community; his demise was highly regretted by the people. He was an ex-defensive tackle for Seattle Seahawks who passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, quite unexpectedly at 48 years of age. Upon receiving news about his untimely demise, his family members, friends, and fans have gone into shock.
Having played all 11 seasons with the Seahawks, Kennedy earned his status as one of the most intimidating figures in the NFL. That much talent combined with an ultimate commitment to the game was exactly what that team needed. Intense and robust, Kennedy on the pitch commanded attention above and beyond statistics. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, assuring him of a place in history as one of the greatest.
The cause of Kennedy’s death remains under investigation. According to the Orlando Police, an investigation into the circumstances leading to his death has been opened, although no foul play is suspected. His stepfather, Joe Harris, said Kennedy had complained of headaches in the days prior to his death, which made the tragic event even more mysterious.
His death is quite a big blow to his family and friends. He is survived by his former wife, Nicole Sanders, and his daughter Courtney Kennedy. His close ones remember him not just as an exceptionally talented sportsperson but as a kind-hearted and generous fellow in whose company everything used to gleam.
His death has seen fans, former teammates, and the wider football community pay their tribute. Many have gone to social media to share memories of Kennedy, extoling in his contributions to the sport and to people off the pitch. He will forever be remembered as a great player and person.
Cortez Kennedy was a man whose NFL career span included eight Pro Bowl appearances and one NFL Defensive Player of the Year selection in 1992. With a career lodged between mediocre and underperforming teams, the dominance and leadership from Kennedy never faltered. He was a force amongst forces within the league.
While the investigation of his death remains, fans and loved ones are left to reflect on the life and legacy of a man who gave all to the game he loved. The impact Cortez Kennedy had on football and all the people touched by him will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Who Was Cortez Kennedy?
Cortez Kennedy was a football defensive tackle, who has played for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League for the entirety of his 11-season career. Kennedy was born on August 23, 1968, in Osceola, Arkansas, but was raised in Wilson, Arkansas.
He graduated from Rivercrest High School before attending the Northwest Mississippi Community College. He later won a football scholarship to the University of Miami.
One of the Best Ever
Kennedy was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1990 draft, and he proved his worth to the team right away. In 1992, he received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press for his 14 quarterback sacks.
He retired after the 2000 season. Cortez Kennedy’s stats read 668 tackles, 58 sacks, and three interceptions. He announced his retirement in August 2002.
Kennedy was rated as one of the best defensive tackles to have ever played this position in the NFL. In 2012, Kennedy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Daddy’s Little Girl
There is no information on Cortez Kennedy’s net worth, but considering his long career with the Seattle Seahawks, it must have been substantial. Cortez Kennedy’s family consisted of his wife and his daughter. Cortez Kennedy’s wife, Nicole Sanders, divorced the athlete in 1996.
Cortez Kennedy’s daughter is Courtney Kennedy, who was reportedly very close to her father. In fact, during his induction speech, Kennedy told Courtney how much he loved her. “But like I’ve been saying —250 more days, you got to get out of the house and go to college. You know you can always come home to me, Daddy’s little girl,” he said, according to the New York Times.
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A Player and a Gentleman
In the years before his sudden death, Kennedy was an ambassador for the Seattle Seahawks and an adviser to the New Orleans Saints. Kennedy was described as a player “who had a lot of success, was able to protect what he earned, lived a good lifestyle, and has done well 15 years after his career ended.”
His coach referred to Kennedy as among “the most talented players I have ever recruited or coached.” In his passing, the football world has lost a player and a gentleman, whose contribution to the game will always be remembered. RIP, Cortez Kennedy.
