Redfern’s wife Lauryl shared the news, noting that he had actually outlived his initial diagnosis. “He shouldn’t have lived as long as he did,” she said, adding that he fought bravely, smiled throughout, and held onto faith and hope that his healing would come on Earth. He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023 and began hospice care late last month.
Kasey Redfern spent part of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. Undrafted in 2014, he started with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014–2015) before stints with the San Diego Chargers’ practice squad and a futures contract in 2016. He later joined the Carolina Panthers in 2016, were traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Andy Lee, and was released shortly thereafter. Redfern signed with the Lions in April 2017 and entered the season as the starting punter after an injury to Sam Martin. His time with Detroit was brief; a botched snap against the Cardinals led to a torn ACL and MCL, ending his season and leading to an injured reserve designation. He later spent time with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, though he was released before the season, and also had stints with the Atlanta Falcons. Over his NFL career, Redfern averaged 42.1 yards per punt.
