Cortez Kennedy,
Kennedy lauded as elite playmaker, generous mentor
a former NFL and Miami Hurricanes gridiron star, was found dead in Orlando on Tuesday at the age of 48.
Cortez Kennedy, a former University of Miami and Seattle Seahawks star defensive tackle, was found dead in Orlando Tuesday. He was 48.
“There is nothing suspicious to report, but we are conducting an investigation regarding his unattended passing,” an Orlando Police Department spokeswoman said.
The Arkansas native known as Tez was part of the 1989 Miami national title team and earned All-America honors the same season. The junior college transfer only spent two seasons with the Hurricanes, but he made a significant impact and was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Kennedy was as an imposing lineman with freakish athletic ability despite tipping the scales at 300 pounds. He also was eager to make his teammates laugh and welcomed everyone from equipment managers to veteran teammates to his Seattle area home once he made it to the NFL.
Current UM coach and former Hurricanes quarterback Mark Richt posted on Twitter Tuesday, “So sorry to hear about my fellow football alum Cortez Kennedy. My prayers to his family. U Family!”
The tributes continued online in mourning the loss of an elite