Seahawks issue statement on death of team's 'heart and soul' Kennedy

The Seattle Seahawks lost one of the first major stars in the club's history Tuesday with the death of former Defensive Player of the Year Cortez Kennedy at age 48.

As the Seahawks fan base mourns the untimely death of their former eight-time Pro Bowler, the team released a statement honoring the life and career of Kennedy.

Cortez Kennedy has been a pillar of the Seahawks franchise since joining the team as a rookie in 1990. 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.

Related: NFL community reacts to death of Cortez Kennedy

Kennedy played his entire 11-year career with the Seahawks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.