NFL Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy was hospitalized for swollen legs just days before he died ... and the information could hold the clue as to why he passed away.
TMZ Sports obtained the police report in the 48-year-old's death -- which says Kennedy had called a friend the night before he died because he was concerned about his health.
During the call, Kennedy said he was feeling dizzy and asked the friend to check on him in the morning to make sure he was okay.
Sadly, by the time the friend went to Kennedy's Orlando, FL home on May 23, he was already dead.