Former Redskins' Wife Succumbs to Cancer

Keasha Draft, wife of former Redskin linebacker Chris Draft, loses battle with lung cancer just weeks after the couple wed.

Draft with wife Keasha Monique Rutledge Draft.

On Drafts' web site, The Christ Draft Family Foundation, where he provides a moving photo and video montage of his wife Keasha, Draft described his wife as "courageous".


"She courageously faced lung cancer, showing us all with every breath that we all need to hold onto life and love with both hands for as long as we can. Not just an inspiration, but a light, and a force that led the way with a beautiful, sweet smile and bright shining eyes that both belied the pure steel of her strength and determination."

Keasha passed two days after Christmas, one month after the couple wed November 27, 2011. She is expected to be laid to rest this Saturday.

Draft's Family Foundation, for which he earned a JB Award in both 2008 and 2009, stresses the importance of family, education, and Christ, and helps provide essential tools like financial literacy, health and wellness for overall family success.

Draft was added to the Redskins' roster in May of 2010.

Last year NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith spoke to DC UrbanSports on Draft being added to the Redskin roster saying, "Chris is not only a strong player on the field, but he's been one of our team representatives for a number of years. So, having a guy who is not only a great player, but a strong union man, to be in DC is fantastic. As a Redskin fan myself, it's good to see him here."

While in Washington Draft participated in an NFL Play 60 event encouraging youth to exercise for 60 minutes each day.

He was released from the Redskin roster in August of 2010.

Comments