CHESAPEAKE, Va. - As the state championship runner-up Oscar Smith Tigers opened up their 2017 season, a former Smith legend had his eyes on the Tigers.
Kenny Easley and his high school coach Tommy Rhodes unveil his plaque.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company partnered to bring the Hometown Hall of Famer program to Kenny Easley's old stomping grounds.
At halftime of Oscar Smith's game against Vero Beach (Florida), the Hall of Fame honored Easley with a plaque that will be displayed permanently inside the school.
Oscar Smith is the 111th school to become an “Official High School of the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
It was a reunion for Easley and his support system throughout high school, and college, and beyond. "You know, I've got classmates, former teammates, Chesapeake has always been my home, always claimed to be my home," said Easley. "This is special to bring the Pro Football Hall of Fame back to Chesapeake."
Easley takes a photo with former high school teammates.
Although he played in just 89 games over the course of only seven seasons, Easley is regarded by many as one of the best defensive backs in football history. He was voted to the Pro Bowl five times during his career.
Easley played quarterback at Oscar Smith from 1974-77 before transitioning to safety at UCLA. He would spend all seven of his seasons playing for the Seattle Seahawks.
