Cortez Kennedy was a legendary defensive tackle who played for the Seattle Seahawks for his entire 11-season career in the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and was widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation. However, his life was cut short on May 23, 2017, when he was found dead in his home in Orlando, Florida. He was only 48 years old. What was the cortez kennedy cause of death and how did it affect his family, friends, and fans?
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The Tragic Circumstances of His Death
According to the autopsy report, Kennedy died of natural causes related to hypertensive heart disease, pneumonia, and diabetes. His family had his brain sent to the Boston University School of Medicine Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center for research, as they suspected that he might have suffered from the degenerative brain disease that affects many former NFL players. However, the results of the analysis have not been made public yet.
Kennedy’s death was a shock to many, as he did not show any signs of serious health problems before his passing. He was reportedly in good spirits and had plans to travel to Seattle for a charity event. He had also recently visited his daughter, Courtney, who was graduating from high school. His friend and former teammate, Chad Brown, said that Kennedy was “happy and healthy” the last time they spoke.
The Legacy He Left Behind
Kennedy was a dominant force on the field, earning eight Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1992. He recorded 668 tackles, 58 sacks, and three interceptions in his career, and was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He was also a leader and a mentor to his teammates, who admired his work ethic, passion, and humility.
Off the field, Kennedy was a generous and kind-hearted person, who supported various charitable causes and helped many people in need. He was especially involved in the community of Wilson, Arkansas, where he grew up. He donated money, equipment, and scholarships to his alma mater, Rivercrest High School, and also funded a youth center and a park in the town. He was beloved by the residents of Wilson, who honored him with a street named after him and a statue of him in front of the high school.
Kennedy was also a devoted father to his daughter, Courtney, who was his pride and joy. He had a close relationship with her and supported her in everything she did. He was also a loyal friend to many, who remembered him as a fun-loving and caring person, who always had a smile on his face.
The Impact He Had on the NFL World
Kennedy’s death was mourned by many in the NFL world, who expressed their condolences and tributes to him on social media and in the media. His former team, the Seahawks, released a statement saying that they were “stunned and heartbroken” by his passing and that he was “an integral part of the Seahawks family and the community.” They also honored him with a moment of silence before their first home game of the 2017 season and wore his jersey number 96 on their helmets throughout the year.
His former coach, Jimmy Johnson, who also coached him at the University of Miami, said that Kennedy was “one of the most talented players I ever recruited or coached” and that he was “like a son to me.” His former teammates, such as Michael Sinclair, Walter Jones, and Steve Hutchinson, said that he was “a great player, a great teammate, and a great friend” and that he “made everyone around him better.”
His fellow Hall of Famers, such as John Randle, Warren Sapp, and Dan Marino, said that he was “a phenomenal player, a phenomenal person, and a phenomenal Hall of Famer” and that he “left a lasting impression on the game and on the people he touched.” His fans, who admired his skills and his personality, said that he was “a legend, a hero, and an inspiration” and that he “will always be remembered and loved.”
Cortez Kennedy was a remarkable man, who left a lasting legacy on and off the field. His death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and fans, who will always cherish his memory and his impact. He was a true Seahawk and a true Hall of Famer, who will never be forgotten.
