NFL Hall of Fame 2012: 4th Time's the Charm for Cortez Kennedy

After being on the NFL Hall of Fame ballot for four years in a row, Seattle Seahawks legend Cortez Kennedy finally reached the pinnacle of individual sporting achievement in the NFL.

Tez is now the second Hall of Famer who spent his entire career with the Seahawks (after wide receiver Steve Largent) to be enshrined.

It was a momentous occasion for the former nose tackle, who anchored the Seahawks defense for all of his 11 years in the league.

His impact was immense in Seattle.

Not especially known for his recognizability outside of the Pacific Northwest, he let his play speak for himself, racking up 50+ sacks, an alarmingly high number for an interior defensive lineman.

Tez's accolades are well documented, being named to the 1990s NFL All-Decade team and winning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1992, even when his squad finished the season with only two victories to its name.

However, his selection, while still rejoiced in Seattle, was usurped by other newsworthy events in terms of importance.

On a day known more for the induction of Curtis Martin and the snubbings of all-time greats Cris Carter, Bill Parcells and Tim Brown, Kennedy becomes somewhat lost in the shuffle.

Yet even that cannot diminish the happiness this day brought to both Kennedy and the Seattle fanbase who adored him.

It is gratifying to see a player epitomize greatness both on and off the field be rewarded with their efforts like Kennedy was today.

Congratulations Tez, on finally being recognized as the dominant force you were. You definitely earned your enshrinement.