The football world is mourning the loss of Kasey Redfern, a journeyman punter who spent parts of six seasons in the NFL, including a stint with the Dallas Cowboys. Redfern passed away this month at the age of 35, leaving behind his wife Lauryl and a legacy of resilience both on and off the field.
Redfern's career began after a standout collegiate tenure at Wofford College, where he honed the leg that would carry him to the pros. He entered the NFL in 2014 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and went on to suit up for the Chargers, Panthers, Browns, Lions, Cowboys, and Falcons. Over his career, he averaged 42.1 yards per punt, with 30% of his punts landing inside the 20-yard line—a testament to his precision and value as a special teams weapon.
The Spartanburg County Coroner's Office confirmed his passing, though the cause has not been publicly disclosed. However, Redfern's health struggles were well-documented. In May 2023, a GoFundMe campaign was launched after he was diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, an aggressive cancer that attacks the brain and spinal cord.
His wife, Lauryl, provided heartbreaking updates throughout his treatment. In September, she shared an emotional Facebook post revealing that the couple had made the difficult decision to transition to hospice care. "It's been a whirlwind of a week—one that has been really hard and full of emotional and mental overwhelm," she wrote. "Kasey had his appointment with Dr. Fanning on Wednesday and our conversation wasn't easy. We've decided to move toward hospice care for Kasey."
She explained the toll the treatments had taken on his body and mind. "It seems that everything he's been experiencing over the last couple of weeks—the falls, extreme decline in short term memory, random throwing up, and some other things are likely due to cognitive decline caused by neurotoxicity from all of the treatments he's had over the last 3.5 years. 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."
The NFL community has rallied around the Redfern family, with former teammates and fans expressing their condolences. The Cowboys, one of the teams he briefly played for, have not yet issued an official statement, but the loss is felt deeply across the league.
Redfern's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the courage it takes to face adversity. His battle with CNS lymphoma was marked by grace and determination, qualities that defined his time on the gridiron as well. He was more than a punter; he was a fighter.
As we reflect on his life, we also remember the joy he brought to the game. His punting prowess was a key asset for every team he joined, and his teammates often spoke of his professionalism and work ethic. Off the field, he was known for his warmth and generosity, traits that endeared him to many.
Our thoughts are with Lauryl, his family, and all who knew him. The sports world has lost a dedicated athlete and a beloved soul. Rest in peace, Kasey Redfern.
For more on the Cowboys' current special teams and roster moves, check out the latest on Jake Ferguson's benching and coach Schottenheimer's staff review.
