Hometown: Chesapeake
Sport: Football
Rank: 5 (ahead of Curtis Strange and behind Alonzo Mourning)
Born: 1959
Claim to fame: Five-time Pro Bowler; three-time All-American, NFL defensive player of the year; College Football Hall of Famer
A complete package of speed, smarts and intimidation, Easley modernized the safety position in the NFL. He hit like a linebacker but could cover like a cornerback. Easley made the Pro Bowl five times in his seven-year career and was AFC Defensive Rookie of the year in 1981. He led the NFL in interceptions with 10 in 1984, returned two for touchdowns and was chosen as NFL defensive player of the year. His career was cut short after the 1987 season, when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. Even if he had never played a minute of pro ball, Easley's status as one of the greatest college players ever would be secure. At UCLA, he became the first player in Pac-10 history to make all-conference four times. A multisport star at Oscar Smith, Easley received basketball scholarship offers from ACC and Big Ten schools. The Chicago Bulls even drafted him in the 10th round in 1981.
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