Former NFL punter Kasey Redfern dies at 35 after cancer battle

Kasey Redfern, a former NFL punter who played for the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons, died on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2026 at the age of 35, according to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina.

The death follows a diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in May 2023, when doctors discovered a tumor on his brain. Redfern endured multiple rounds of treatment over the next three and a half years, ultimately moving to hospice care after his health sharply declined during the summer.

“He shouldn’t have lived as long as he did,” she said, “but he fought an incredible fight. He smiled the whole way through, never questioned why and always knew God had a purpose for this, having great hope that his miracle would be healing on Earth.”

Lauryl Redfern, his wife, posted the statement to the California Post, describing her husband as “the love of my life” and noting that his recent symptoms—including falls, short‑term memory loss, vomiting and neurotoxicity from treatment—were likely side effects of aggressive therapy.

Redfern’s football journey began at Wofford College, where he handled both place‑kicking and punting duties from 2010 to 2013. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars before earning contracts with the Chargers, Panthers, Browns, Lions, Cowboys and Falcons. He appeared in four regular‑season games, averaging 42.1 yards per punt.

The former athlete is survived by his wife and two young children, a six‑year‑old and a four‑year‑old, both born after his NFL career ended. Teammates, including former Wofford roommate and Texas Tech co‑defensive coordinator Rob Greene, have praised Redfern as a “great man, husband, father, and friend,” urging fans to support his family during this loss.

Redfern’s passing underscores the impact of aggressive cancers on athletes and highlights the importance of community support for families facing similar battles.