Former NFL punter Kasey Redfern has died at the age of 35 after battling central nervous system lymphoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the brain and spinal cord. Redfern passed away on October 13, 2026, following a three-year fight with the disease, according to reports and updates shared by his family.
Redfern played for several NFL franchises during his professional football career, including the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons. His death has brought renewed attention to his football journey and the courageous fight he endured after his diagnosis in 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Lauryl Redfern, and their two young sons, Logan and Ollie.
Kasey Redfern Cause of Death
Kasey Redfern died following complications associated with central nervous system lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in April 2023. According to reports, his illness led to a lengthy battle involving treatment before his condition deteriorated.
His wife, Lauryl, shared updates about his health and their family’s difficult journey through social media and a fundraising page titled Kasey’s Warriors on GoFundMe.
In September 2026, Redfern entered hospice care after his medical team could no longer provide further treatment. His family focused on keeping him comfortable and spending as much time together as possible.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Redfern continued to face his illness with faith and determination, according to his wife’s public statements.
Lauryl Redfern Pays Tribute to Her Husband
Following his death, Lauryl Redfern reflected on her husband’s remarkable strength throughout his battle with cancer.
Speaking to the California Post, she said, “He fought an incredible fight.” She also explained that he continued smiling throughout his illness and maintained his belief that God had a purpose for his circumstances.
Her comments offered a glimpse into the family’s experience as Redfern faced years of treatment and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.
In updates shared before his death, Lauryl described the emotional challenges of his declining health while expressing hope and faith. She also emphasized the importance of spending meaningful time together as a family.
The couple’s two sons, Logan and Ollie, survive their father.
Kasey Redfern’s NFL Career
Redfern began his professional football journey in 2014 after going undrafted. He played college football at Wofford College in South Carolina from 2010 through 2013 before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
Over the following six years, he spent time with seven NFL franchises, building a professional career that continued through 2019.
His teams included:
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- San Diego Chargers
- Carolina Panthers
- Cleveland Browns
- Detroit Lions
- Dallas Cowboys
- Atlanta Falcons
Although Redfern’s NFL career included challenges and changes between teams, he earned opportunities to compete at the highest level of American football.
Detroit Lions Career Cut Short by Injury
Redfern’s time with the Detroit Lions included one of the most difficult moments of his football career.
In 2017, he earned the team’s starting punter position. However, his season ended during the opening game after he suffered torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries following a punt.
The injuries forced Redfern onto injured reserve and ended his season before he could establish himself in the role.
Despite that setback, he continued pursuing opportunities in professional football, remaining connected to NFL teams in the years that followed.
Kasey Redfern’s Time With the Atlanta Falcons
Redfern also played for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2019 NFL season.
The Falcons signed him to their practice squad on October 11, 2019, before promoting him to the active roster the following day. He appeared in three regular-season games for Atlanta, according to official NFL statistics.
His stint with the Falcons came during the final year of his professional football career.
For fans of both the Falcons and Lions, Redfern’s death is a reminder of the person behind the uniform and the challenges he faced after football.
Kasey Redfern’s Battle With Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Central nervous system lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid or related structures. It can be difficult to treat, and its effects depend on the location of the disease and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Redfern’s diagnosis in April 2023 marked the beginning of a battle that lasted approximately three and a half years.
By September 2026, his family reported that his condition had significantly declined and that further treatment was no longer possible. Hospice care helped prioritize his comfort and allowed his loved ones to spend more time with him.
His family’s updates highlighted the emotional toll of a prolonged illness and the importance of support during an exceptionally difficult period.
Kasey Redfern’s Family and Legacy
Redfern leaves behind his wife, Lauryl, and their sons, Logan and Ollie. His family remained central to his life throughout his illness, sharing updates about his condition and seeking support during his cancer battle.
His football career took him across the NFL, from Jacksonville to Detroit and Atlanta, while his personal fight demonstrated a different kind of perseverance.
Redfern’s story extends beyond his professional statistics. It includes his years pursuing a career in football, the injuries that interrupted his progress, and the strength his family said he showed while facing a life-threatening illness.
As fans remember the former NFL punter, condolences and tributes are likely to focus not only on his time in professional football but also on the courage and faith described by those closest to him.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements had not been publicly announced in the reports available at the time of publication.
Kasey Redfern was 35 years old.
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