Seahawks to Honor Cortez Kennedy with '96' Decal on Helmets

The Seattle Seahawks announced Friday they will wear helmet decals featuring the number 96 throughout the entire 2017 season in honor of the late Cortez Kennedy, who died on May 23. 

"He meant a lot to this franchise," linebacker Bobby Wagner said, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. "Just being around him, he always tried to give young guys some knowledge that he had learned in the game, some wisdom. He went through a 2-14 season and was able to get defensive player of the year; he was a great player, but more importantly, he was just an awesome person off the field.

"It's an honor to wear his number on our helmets."

Kennedy was also honored by the New Orleans Saints last week at organized team activities when they donned No. 96 decals on the side of their helmets: 

According to Seahawks.com's Tony Drovetto, Kennedy and New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis forged a strong bond because Loomis spent a significant portion of his career in the Seahawks front office when Kennedy played for Seattle. 

Kennedy, 48, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Seahawks in 2012.