University of Miami alum Cortez Kennedy was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon.
Kennedy registered 58 sacks and scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery in his 11-season career with the Seattle Seahawks. The No. 3 overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Kennedy had a streak of 116 games played, earned selection to eight Pro Bowls (1992 to 97, 1999, 2000) and missed just nine games out of a possible 176 in his career.
As a senior defensive tackle in 1989, he emerged as a dominant force on what many considered to be the nation's top defensive line unit. Kennedy, started all 12 games and his tenacious defense helped lead UM to a 11-1 season, a victory in the Sugar Bowl over Alabama and the 1989 National Championship. He earned second team AP All-American honors.
Kennedy joins fellow Canes Jim Otto (1980), Ted Hendricks (1990), Jim Kelly (2002) and Michael Irvin (2007) in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Below is a full bio from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
CORTEZ KENNEDY BIO
Defensive Tackle ... 6-3, 298 ... Northwest Mississippi Community College; Miami (FL) ... 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks ... 11 playing seasons, 167 games ... Seahawks 1st round draft pick (3rd player overall), 1990 NFL Draft ... First Team All-America choice at Miami in 1989 ... Extremely durable, played in 167 of possible 176 games ... Injury ended streak of 116 straight games played and club record 100 consecutive games started ... Named first-team All-Rookie by PFWA ... Voted to a team-record eight Pro Bowls (1992-97, 1999, 2000) ... Named first-team (1992, 1993, 1994) or second-team (1991, 1996) All-Pro five times ... Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 while playing for a 2-14 team ... That season led all interior linemen with 14 sacks and career best 92 tackles; had four forced fumbles; recovered fumble and batted down two passes ... Recorded one of finest seasons in 1999 recording 73 tackles, 6.5 sacks, intercepting two passes, helping Seahawks reach playoffs for first time since 1988 ... In all, registered 58 sacks, intercepted three passes and scored one touchdown on fumble recovery during career ... He twice led the team in sacks (1992 and 1995) ... Born August 23, 1968 in Osceola, Arkansas.
Chris Freet
Associate AD for Communications | University of Miami Athletics
first
Posted by: Ucane | February 04, 2012 at 08:19 PM
Cortez the Killer!
Posted by: BEERicane | February 04, 2012 at 08:21 PM
Big Tez
Posted by: Hassan | February 04, 2012 at 08:43 PM
4th go big man you were as great one!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 04, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Congratulations Mr.Kennedy. Cane Legend!
Posted by: CaneFan47 | February 04, 2012 at 09:42 PM
melvin bratton
Posted by: usagainsttheworld.com | February 04, 2012 at 09:43 PM
whoops! that would be stanley shakespeare
Posted by: usagainsttheworld.com | February 04, 2012 at 09:44 PM
What do you guys think - http://bit.ly/wzeojS
Posted by: USpirit | February 04, 2012 at 10:49 PM
LinderWQAM Jon Linder
Big win for Missouri. Frank Haith is cashing in after inheriting a really talented team that he had no part in assembling. #truth
^Truth.
Posted by: Felipe | February 04, 2012 at 11:15 PM
Raize - I'm so sorry for your loss. Many prayers headed to U and your family bro. I cannot imagine going thru what U have.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 04, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Amen.......sorry I have not been on lately. I found out in early January that my dad had cancer so I have been upset for a while. I am sad to report that he passed away yesterday. If I can pass on anything, please please be sure you to keep your health before anything else.
Posted by: raizecane | February 04, 2012 at 07:25 PM
Sorry to hear about your loss RC, my condolences go out to You and Yours.
And on your health note, I'll take that to heart, I'm trying to kick this pack-a-day cigarette habit.
But again, my condolences to You and Yours...
Posted by: CaneRock | February 05, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Raize..our deepest sympathies are with U.
God Bless U.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2012 at 12:31 AM
Best wishes to you and yours raizecane. My condolences for sure. Take care.
Posted by: Felipe | February 05, 2012 at 12:56 AM
My prayers to you and yours Raize.
Posted by: IraqiCane | February 05, 2012 at 05:09 AM
So is Sapp next?
Posted by: Old Skool | February 05, 2012 at 08:00 AM
Deepest sympathies and warmest wishes.
Posted by: LB | February 05, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Hey raize, my deepest sympathies on your loss. I cant imagine what your going through be as strong as you can buddy and remember CANESPACE and all of us bloggers are here for you man.
Posted by: Upnorthcane | February 05, 2012 at 08:43 AM
Sorry 4 your loss Raize. The whole Cane Gang wit cha bud.
Posted by: 4-Real | February 05, 2012 at 09:40 AM
raise....I can only add our condolences to those above and add I am totally aware of the need for vigilance in ones own health care. I am blessed in the fact my wife rather late in her working life went back to school and got her RN.
Jean & Fran
Posted by: Fran | February 05, 2012 at 10:12 AM
I'm sorry Raize. If I can add to your health note. Part of keeping your health is being aware of the symptoms and getting them checked out promptly. My father ignored his symptoms and enabled his cancer to progress beyond where it could be reasonably treated.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 05, 2012 at 10:13 AM
raizecane, I lost my father to cancer & emphysema as well. So sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 05, 2012 at 10:43 AM
Raize, my thoughts are with you today.
Posted by: The Wizard | February 05, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Raize prayers go out to your family
Posted by: Hassan | February 05, 2012 at 11:40 AM
My source says we have 3 commits coming
Jermaine Bigcountry Grace
George Williams
Bigsix Thomas
I got more info coming look out for these guys too
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DTQn_2UcPRfs%26feature%3Drelated&h=2AQEcXrF8
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FhIOmMy0hAYg&h=RAQFL7700
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000382248108&ref=pymk#!/profile.php?id=1283889482
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 12:53 PM
BTW Ken Dorsey is announcing something big next week many speculate something related to the U. ...
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 01:12 PM
Raize,
I lost my Dad in Oct 2010; it was not easy, as my life has been hard since 2008 with very few appraisals,loss of income due to housing crisis, possible loss of my home...but those things are nothing compared to losing my Dad. It has been tough, but it will be ok. I am sorry for your loss and extend my sympathy to your family. May god bless you and yours in your time of need, and you know all the Canespace people are thinking of you.
Always,
VA Cane
Posted by: VA Cane | February 05, 2012 at 01:35 PM
hassan..are those 2013 kids?
Posted by: UMike | February 05, 2012 at 02:29 PM
I tried 2 post couple days ago that rapper T.I. was seen on B.E.T's 106 & park sporting a U cap. We need to use things like that 2 our advantage when recruiting. Aside from reaching out 2 former Cane players Golden should start reaching out to other celebrities like D-Wade, Rick Ross, Lebron James , Khalid etc. and have meet & greet sessions and invite all the surrounding communities especially during the summer camp season. This is the only way we will be able to out recruit The Axis Of Evil, b.k.a. the s.e.c. legally. What do u guys think?
Posted by: 4-Real | February 05, 2012 at 02:38 PM
Check out this report on Gabe Terry
Just watched him dominate the 190 lb weight class at districts in wrestling. He's undefeated this season and only one kid took him to a decision all year. He pinned everyone else.
Not a knock at all but he's def not a d-end. I played sem-pro and he's a sam linebacker for sure. Fast twich, great explosion, and strong. He's all of 6'2.5 but didn't have to cut weight to wrestle at 190 lb. He'll be able to put another 30-40 pounds on in a couple years but that puts him at 230. No way he can get to 245+.
Wit swag you would kill for...
More attitude and presence than anyone in the gym. Wore an orange Miami hat backwards with a neon orange backpack and dark sunglasses inside all day.
Districts are considered playoffs so most kids are nervous and tense, focused and emotional. Terry straight chilled all day. Sat up in the bleachers relaxing and laughing when he wasn't wrestling. When his turn came he walk down 10 min before, changed, walked out on the mat like he jus woke up, and pinned his opponent in the first round every time. Then two min later he'd be back laughing wit all his Miami gear on.
Very athletic. Perfect linebacker body.
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 02:52 PM
hassan...I appreciate, we appreciate all the info bro..thanx!
Posted by: UMike | February 05, 2012 at 02:57 PM
hassan..are those 2013 kids?
Posted by: UMike | February 05, 2012 at 02:29 PM
yeah they are, I am hearing race is going to be silent cause he wants the show and whatnot like his old teammate howard.
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 02:59 PM
BTW Ken Dorsey is announcing something big next week many speculate something related to the U. ...
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 01:12 PM
-----------------------------------------
Maybe the NCAA is granting him one more year of eligibity and he's coming back to The U? ;-)
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 05, 2012 at 03:11 PM
I really think Golden and co are gonna clean up on the south florida talent next year
Posted by: UMike | February 05, 2012 at 03:23 PM
One more thing, This is not really a rumour it is GOING to happen but seems a lot of people are overlooking it prob til fall camp.
There is a alot of reasons why UTough is so important, it is big no matter what team you play for the be fitter then your opponent but playing in the SFLA humidity can really give you an advantage if you are acclimated and more fit then your opponents.
The offense actually has a chance to be better then last year but with our team being more fit from another year of UTough we are looking to increase the pace. Last year there were rumblings that we slowed down the pace to protect a weak defense. we actually was 118 out 0f 120 in pace on 60.6 plays per game. This year Al Golden is looking to increase that to over 70 per game, not quite the Oregon Ducks or Oklahoma but much faster and I think this will pay dividends in many areas. So look for us to rotate more OL and WR's during the games which we can also use to sell to recruits. Look for a more quick strike offense which can also be used to sell to recruits and look for us to blow a few games open in the 4th qtr with this strategy.
http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2011/11/18/2571584/adj-pace-rankings
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 03:26 PM
Interesting point, Hassan...however, Okie State was sixth in "pace" and had the 107th ranked defense and still should have played for the NC.
If your offense scores 48 pts. per game (#2- Okie State), the defense doesn't need to be too good...no matter how much time they spend on the field...
Posted by: Texascane | February 05, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Canes bball putting it to Duke right now. Up 42-28 at the half! Go Canes!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 05, 2012 at 03:49 PM
Interesting point, Hassan...however, Okie State was sixth in "pace" and had the 107th ranked defense and still should have played for the NC.
If your offense scores 48 pts. per game (#2- Okie State), the defense doesn't need to be too good...no matter how much time they spend on the field...
Posted by: Texascane | February 05, 2012 at 03:38 PM
They was the inverse of us bro, real good offense, working at that fast pace actually helped their really crappy defense, it put points on the board and great field position. Where as our Slowed down offense was helping our D stay off the field.
But as you said should have played for the N.C you can see the benefits playing at that pace does for you, Now think about us havin #1. SFLA humidity playing at a high pace.
#2 Better skill talent then OK
#3 better defense then OK.
there is no reason why we can not be a top program in another year, we are still young so it will take a year or so but the Storm is brewing.
Posted by: hassan | February 05, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Miami at Duke upset on the making...link to watch the game.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/106241/1/watch-miami-(fl)-vs-(5)-duke.html
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Getting some of those good old boy network foul calls
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:40 PM
how can you call a foul on a player who has his position and hands straight up ...good old boy
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:40 PM
i hope he makes a tape of this
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:41 PM
them refs are just waiting to blow that southern white whistle
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:43 PM
lets see the last 5 times down and 5 whistles .. yea rite
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Damn Hassan You on FIRE today!!
Posted by: TJL | February 05, 2012 at 04:46 PM
wow another white whistle ..refs 10 miami 10
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:47 PM
refs got to be related to Mike in some way in that deep south
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:52 PM
Miami just can't close out these games.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2012 at 04:56 PM
nice no call horse collar
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:56 PM
What has happened to Durand Scott?
Two turnovers in last 2 minutes.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2012 at 04:57 PM
so the guy goes in the lane and jumps into three canes who have their hands straight up and gets two shots bull crap
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 05, 2012 at 04:57 PM