# Former NFL punter Kasey Redfern dies at 35 after cancer fight

Redfern’s family said he died after a three-and-a-half-year battle with central nervous system lymphoma.

By The Signal Edition | Sports / NFL
Published: 2026-10-18T13:44:50.265Z
Updated: 2026-10-18T13:44:50.265Z
Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/kasey-redfern-cns-lymphoma-death-f73b9f9
Image: https://www.thesignaledition.com/media/cd84c4cf9fc39086aed0901ae0382569.avif (American football stadium representing Kasey Redfern’s NFL career; credit: Unsplash)

## Summary
- Kasey Redfern died at age 35.
- He was diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma in 2023.
- He appeared in NFL games for Detroit and Atlanta.

## Death after a long illness

Former NFL punter Kasey Redfern died at 35 after a three-and-a-half-year fight with central nervous system lymphoma, according to statements from his family reported by multiple outlets. His illness began in 2023 when doctors found a cancerous brain tumor. He underwent chemotherapy and continued treatment as the disease affected his daily life. [1](https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/former-detroit-lions-punter-dies-35-from-brain-cancer) [2](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nfl-punter-35-dies-185601251.html)

## A journeyman professional career

Redfern played college football at Wofford and signed with several NFL organizations while pursuing a roster role as a punter and placekicker. He appeared in regular-season games for the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons. Special-teams careers can involve frequent moves and short contracts, and Redfern’s path reflected the persistence required to remain available across multiple teams. [1](https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/former-detroit-lions-punter-dies-35-from-brain-cancer) [2](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nfl-punter-35-dies-185601251.html)

## Family and community support

Fundraising and public updates during his treatment described the medical and financial strain on Redfern, his wife Lauryl and their children. His wife said the family received many forms of support during the illness. Tributes after his death focused on his perseverance, his role as a husband and father, and relationships built across his football career. [1](https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/former-detroit-lions-punter-dies-35-from-brain-cancer) [2](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nfl-punter-35-dies-185601251.html)

## What to watch next

The result and statistics in this report were checked against the listed official or major-news coverage. Rankings, availability, kickoff times and roster roles can change after publication, so the next confirmed update should come from the league, competition or team. The immediate significance is based on the completed event, while any longer-term effect on standings or selection remains dependent on later results. Video clips and fan accounts can add context, but they do not replace the official score, disciplinary record or medical update. Any correction should be anchored to those primary records. [1](https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/former-detroit-lions-punter-dies-35-from-brain-cancer) [2](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nfl-punter-35-dies-185601251.html)

## Reporting sources
1. [FOX 2 Detroit: Former Detroit Lions punter dies at 35 from brain cancer](https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/former-detroit-lions-punter-dies-35-from-brain-cancer) (October 18, 2026)
2. [Yahoo Sports: Former NFL punter dies following cancer battle](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nfl-punter-35-dies-185601251.html) (October 16, 2026)