Pro Football Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy passed away at the age of 48, the Orlando Police Department said Tuesday.
The cause of death remains unknown. ESPN reported that police said Kennedy’s death wasn’t suspicious but they are investigating.
Kennedy, an eight-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, spent his entire 11-year career with the Seattle Seahawks from 1990 to 2000. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Seahawks retired Kennedy’s No. 96 the same year.
“Cortez Kennedy has been a pillar of the Seahawks franchise since joining the team as a rookie in 1990,” the Seahawks said in a statement. “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.
“Tez was an NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Seahawks Ambassador, but more than his on-field accomplishments, he was a loyal son, father, teammate and friend to many, possessing a larger-than-life personality and an infectious laugh.
“We extend our warmest thoughts and prayers to his parents, Ruby and Joe Harris, daughter Courtney, and entire family on the unfortunate loss of a life-long Seahawk. We are proud to have been represented by such a special person.”
The 1992 Defensive Player of the Year totaled 58 career sacks along with 448 tackles, six forced fumbles, five recoveries and three interceptions over his 167 career games.
Kennedy was named to the Associated Press’ 1990s All-Decade Team and was an All-America honoree during his playing career at Miami. He was a member of the Hurricanes’ national championship team in 1989.
He was recruited to Miami by former coach Jimmy Johnson, who offered his condolences on Twitter.
“Shocked at Cortez Kennedy passing…1 of the most talented players I ever recruited or coached…a fun loving person a sad day.”
Former NFL running back Emmitt Smith and New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton were among those expressing their feelings on Twitter. Kennedy spent time working as an advisor to the Saints after his retirement.
Smith: “I am truly sadden by the lost of a very good person. My condolences goes out to the family of Cortez Kennedy.”
Payton: “Thoughts and prayers are with Cortez Kennedy’s family. A great friend and the most genuine person you would ever want to meet. #96″