Kasey Redfern, a former National Football League (NFL) punter, has died at the age of 35 years. Redfern had been battling central nervous system lymphoma since 2023, according to his wife, Lauryl Redfern. Redfern played for several teams, including Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons, during his six-year stint with the NFL. He died on Tuesday (Oct. 13).

'He smiled the whole way through'

Speaking to the California Post, Lauryl said that Redfern "fought an incredible fight". She added: "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."

Redfern's NFL journey

Redfern played football at Wofford College in South Carolina (2010-2013) before beginning a six-year journey with the NFL. He went undrafted in 2014, but later signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Through his NFL career, Redfern also held contracts with San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons. Redfern remained in the NFL through 2019.

Redfern diagnosed in 2023

According to a post on GoFundMe, Redfern was diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma in April 2023.

Late last month, Redfern was admitted to hospice care. "His poor brain has had all it can take treatment wise so we want to make sure that he can be as comfortable as possible. As our NP pointed out this will also help me be able to love on him more/better and not have to do all of the caretaking as well," Lauryl had posted on social media at the time.

"It’s been a really hard few weeks with this extreme decline. He’s still home and able to be home and could still have a lot more time with us, but we just can’t give him anymore treatment and unfortunately this decline is irreversible except by another miracle from the Lord which we are still of course praying for. We know that healing will take place regardless of the outcome, but if he makes it to Heaven soon, he will have it better than the rest of us and for that all I can do is be thankful and joyful and filled with peace (and a lot of jealousy) that He will be WHOLE and in glory with our Savior, the best place we could ask to be."

Kasey Redfern is survived by his wife Lauryl and their two children, sons Logan and Ollie.