This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
After winning two National Championships as an All-American at "The U" in the late 1980s, defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy was selected third overall in the 1990 draft by the Seattle Seahawks and the 6' 3", 306-punder never looked back. In his eleven seasons in Seattle, Kennedy made the Pro Bowl eight times and was 1st Team All-Pro thrice, including 1992 when he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. His #96 jersey was retired by the Seahawks in 2012, the same he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Presented here is his thrashed, game-used helmet from the 1995 season that can be easily photo-matched to the Hawks' October 8th contest against the Oakland Raiders (Getty image 687873878). Kennedy recorded one sack that day and finished the season with 6.5 for the 8-8 Seahawks. Tragically, the gentle giant known for his infectious smile passed away at the age of 48 in 2017.
The gray helmet with the team's patented Seahawk stylized logo decals on each side is absolutely pounded with use on the shell, full of gashes, scratches and contacts marks befitting of a player who spent his career in the trenches. These unique marks, especially the ones in the front right forehead area, make the photo-match conclusive in our eyes. Manufactured by Riddell with the company stamped on the forehead and chinstrap, the helmet has a strip of black Dymo tape labeled “KENNEDY” next to the left earhole on the inside. An "All American L" size sticker is affixed next to the right earhole along with remnants of a removed Riddell model sticker label (most likely VSR-4 based in the style). The interior cushion padding and both earpads are all intact and show obvious wear. On the rear are the official NFL shield and warning label decals, along with a blank white plastic neck bumper. The newer-looking blue facemask has just a couple punctures present, perhaps indicating it was a replacement added later when the helmet was reconditioned as mandated by the NFL. The chinstrap is also quite new and clean relative to the shell and interior. Kennedy has signed the helmet in black marker with the added inscription “Always the Best" on the left side of the shell.
Includes Beckett LOA (A52323) for autograph.