Condolences have come in from athletes, journalists, and fans around the nation after news broke on the death of Pro Football Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy on Tuesday, May 23. Jerry Rice, Chris Carter, John Elway and Kevin Mawae are some of the NFL greats who tweeted words in remembrance of the career-long Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle, following the release of a tweet by the Orlando Florida police department that confirmed Kennedy's death.
Prior to entering the NFL as the 3rd overall draft pick in 1990, the future 8-time Pro Bowler came to national attention as an NCAA phenom at the University of Miami, where he was coached by Jimmy Johnson. “Shocked at Cortez Kennedy passing ... 1 of the most talented players I ever recruited or coached ... a fun loving person a sad day,” Johnson issued a statement reading, after learning of the untimely development. It was in the NFL however, that Kennedy proved to be a one of a kind athlete, excelling on defense for a Seattle Seahawks team that chose to hold on to him for all 11 years of his elite career.
“Cortez Kennedy has been a pillar of the Seahawks franchise since joining the team as a rookie in 1990,” a statement released by the Seahawks organization, via Twitter reads. “Tez was the heart and soul of the Seahawks through the 1990s and endeared himself to 12s all across the Pacific Northwest as a player who played with a selfless and relentless approach to the game.”
In light of a continual investigation, authorities have confirmed that there so far doesn't seem to be anything suspicious about the circumstances of Kennedy's death. He was 48-years-old.
Source: nydailynews.com
