Hall of Fame Hurricanes: Cortez Kennedy
“Hall of Fame Canes” will highlight Hurricanes enshrined in the #HOF in preparation for Jimmy Johnson’s College Football Hall of Fame inductment, along with the rest of the Class of 2012, on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Meet today’s Hall of Fame Hurricane…
Cortez Kennedy
Pro Football HOF, 2012
by: Camron Ghorbi
More than 3,000 miles separate the site of the old OrangeBowl, located in Miami’s colorful Little Havana neighborhood, and that of theformer Kingdome, the pride and joy of Seattle’s industrial district. At a recent ceremony in The Emerald City, the two historic venues were recently linked in celebration of a joint son’s otherworldlyachievements.
“Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Seattle CityCouncil, that Sunday, October 14, 2012, is Cortez Kennedy ‘Tez’ Day.”
The official proclamation from the City of Seattle wasanother notable tribute in a long list recognizing Cortez Kennedy, arguably thegreatest defensive tackle to ever play the game.
Kennedy’s success in the professional ranks, where he set aSeattle Seahawks franchise record by starting 116 consecutive games, iswell-documented. The monstrous defensive tackle, praised for his brilliantcombination of strength and agility, helped start a trend of versatile linementhat would characterize the NFL’s next era.
Kennedy, who didn’t miss a game until his eighthprofessional season despite playing one of the most physical positions on thefield, was named to eight Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams and the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s. Kennedy finished his professionalcareer with 167 games played, 568 tackles, 58 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. Hewon the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1992, despite playing on aSeahawks team that finished 2-14 overall.
On his fourth Hall of Fame ballot in 2012, Kennedy finallyearned a well-deserved bust in Canton. He became the fifth Hurricane to garnerfootball’s most prestigious honor, joining Jim Otto (1980), Ted Hendricks(1990), Jim Kelly (2002) and Michael Irvin (2007).
Kennedy’s list of accolades continues to lengthen. Inaddition to the recent retirement of his famed No. 96 by the Seahawks on “TezDay,” Kennedy’s personal accomplishments now include:
All-American. National champion.University of Miami Ring of Honor member. NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awardwinner. Seattle Seahawks’ Ring of Honor member. Pro Football Hall of Fameinductee.
Kennedy accomplished nearly all the gridiron had to offerafter stepping onto the Coral Gables campus as a student-athlete back in 1988.Nearly 25 years later, his legend continues to grow.
