Former NFLer Chris Draft Loses Wife Keasha To Cancer, 1 Month After Their Wedding

Dec 29 | by Natasha

It's an amazing love story that shows love conquers all. And sadly, it came to an end this week. Former NFLer Chris Draft lost his wife of 1 month to cancer, a friend of Chris' confirms to TheYBF.com. Story inside...

35-year-old Chris Draft married the love of his life, Keasha, in a touching ceremony November 27th in Atlanta. The bride was battling cancer and used a wheelchair to meet her groom down the aisle. But amazingly walked the last few steps, as seen in their wedding video below.

The fairytale came to an end Tuesday--one month to the day of their wedding--as Keasha (Rutledge) Draft lost her battle with cancer, a longtime friend of Chris' has confirmed to TheYBF.com.

Chris' friends are also asking everyone to send prayers to the families as they navigate this difficult time. The couple's wedding "trailer" is below:

Anaheim native Chris has played for 7 teams during his NFL career which began with the Chicago Bears in 1998. He last played for the Washington Redskins in 2010. Chris dedicated much of his life to giving back to kids, families, service projects, and his own Chris Draft Family Foundation, which empowers families to live healthy lifestyles.

A photo montage created in remembrance of Keasha is above. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.

Both videos created by KRJ Productions

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Comments

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When I saw this story my

When I saw this story my heart ached, it was like I personally knew you guys. Just looking at the photos I could see the true beauty inside and out of Keasha. I am sadden that she is gone so soon, since this has happened I cant seem to stop thinking about her beautiful spirit. My prayers goes out to Chris and her family, may God continue to give you strength!

by Samanthia
10:37 pm - Feb 13, '12

I smiled the entire time

I smiled the entire time looking at the photo's of you and Keisha....She was truly a beautiful person and her spirit in these pictures speak volumes. May God continue to bless you and see you through this difficult time. Only you know what Keisha would have wanted you to do and I'm sure you are doing it without a doubt. Continue to stay in prayer and uplifted and GOD will do the rest. I don't know you all but just reading your story and seeing her smile made me smile and say HOW??? How can I complain? I won't complain!!! God Bless

by Anonymous
4:33 pm - Feb 10, '12

He has been like a brother to

He has been like a brother to me my whole life. Its upsetting to read this story. My prayers go out to Chris and the whole family

by Anonymous
3:45 pm - Jan 16, '12

Its just isn't enough words

Its just isn't enough words to say how deeply sorry to hear of your beautiful wife who had a uplifting sprit about her demeanor I dont' know either one of you but I will keep you & the family in my prayers. God Bless:)

by Anonymous
10:45 am - Feb 10, '12

dramatic...

by Anonymous
4:28 pm - Jan 9, '12

I pray that God continues to

I pray that God continues to keep the Draft and Rutledge families in his perfect peace. I am truly sorry for your loss, it appears that she lived a beautiful life.

by Anonymous
1:52 am - Jan 7, '12

This is deeply moving and

This is deeply moving and touching. I pray the God grants you (Chris), your family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this tremendous loss. May Keasha's soul rest in perfect peace!

by Philip
2:54 am - Jan 6, '12

This is deeply moving and

This is deeply moving and touching. I pray the God grants you (Chris), your family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this tremendous loss. May Keasha's soul rest in perfect peace!

by Philip
2:54 am - Jan 6, '12

This is deeply moving and

This is deeply moving and touching. I pray the God grants you (Chris), your family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this tremendous loss. May Keasha's soul rest in perfect peace!

by Philip
2:53 am - Jan 6, '12

my heart goes out to chris

my heart goes out to chris and his family she was a beautiful braide and person, i dint know her but just from the pic she was a lovely person. may god keep his loving arms around her husband.

by Anonymous
12:28 pm - Jan 4, '12

Everyone is asking why did he

Everyone is asking why did he wait so long before they got married. Understand she might have been to ill at the time and as time grew on they realized the depth and severity of her illness so they made each other happy with their marriage. I pray God blesses both families with peace,faith and love.

by Anonymous
3:21 am - Jan 4, '12

Everyone is asking why did he

by Anonymous
3:19 am - Jan 4, '12

i just wanted to say the

i just wanted to say the photos were heavenly and the ceremony was beautiful. I hope that god will make a way for you to be blessed and to always remember the good times to get u through life. may god continue to keep u and bless u-your family is forever in my heart. god bless

by roz
8:52 pm - Jan 2, '12

Chris, Thank you for sharing

Chris, Thank you for sharing your love story with the world. You and Keasha truly loved each other. You are a beautiful person. You truly made her last days a blessing. She was in love with you and was happy to be your wife. She was always seemed to be so happy and was a joy to be around. In all of her pictures, she knew her God. Thank you for being the man every woman dream to have. Keasha knew she was loved by you, family and friends. May God continue to bless you and your family. Continue to pray and God will provide you strength to get through this difficult time. God will always remember what you have done for Keasha.

by Stephanie McCrory
4:33 pm - Jan 2, '12

She transferred to her new

She transferred to her new life as your wife. Awesome. May God continue to bless you.

by JT
8:21 am - Jan 2, '12

May GOD bless yu and give yu

May GOD bless yu and give yu long life Yu are very good person what GOD need from us is real LOVE is what yu presente to yur wife ,GOD will never live yu alone Be encourage look only to GOD

by Daniel Amon
8:00 am - Jan 2, '12

Beautiful wedding, gorgeous

Beautiful wedding, gorgeous woman...she looked so happy, may she rest in peace

by Anonymous
6:50 am - Jan 2, '12

We are dear friends with

We are dear friends with Raynard - Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you --- God Bless!!!

by Ron and Alicia Sykes
1:07 pm - Jan 1, '12

Hotep. Condolences to you on

Hotep. Condolences to you on your loss of your best friend and soulmate. May your beloved wife be embraced by Our Most High Creator and your soul comforted in knowing she is no longer in pain. Her spirit is eternal and we send prayers for your soul to heal from this great loss! Remain blessed and comforted in prayer in all ways possible. Shem M Hotep

by Anonymous
5:54 pm - Jan 1, '12

That is real love and the

That is real love and the true meaning "for sickness and in health". My prayers are with the whole family. Bless u all

by cutiefromdetroit
4:56 am - Jan 1, '12

That is real love and the

That is real love and the true meaning "for sickness and in health". My prayers are with the whole family. Bless u all

by cutiefromdetroit
4:55 am - Jan 1, '12

That is real love and the

That is real love and the true meaning "for sickness and in health". My prayers are with the whole family. Bless u all

by cutiefromdetroit
4:54 am - Jan 1, '12

My condoleances to your

My condoleances to your family. May God forgive her and may He gave her the key to His paradise. Amen!

by Cherif
2:48 am - Jan 1, '12

my heart goes out to the

my heart goes out to the draft familys this is such a touching situation ,, all you see is love between the 2 and i honor mr draft for the love he had for his loving wife may the good lord see you and the family through this ruff time i never heard of the drafts but i know love when i see it ,and when looking at the pictures of the wedding and just the photos i felt your bond and it brought tears to my eyes ,, i watched the videos several times and smiled because what you guys had was real love and i honor a man who loves there wife through sickness and good health and i know your heart is heavy right now but the good lord is gonna see the family through this,,our GOD is a good GOD and he loves us and he will not put any thing on our plates that we cant deal with,,,he made sure the family had good memories as well as a lot of love through out the hard times as well as the good we are not promised tomorrow,,but mr and mrs draft had some thing a lot of people dream of REAL LOVE and with that being said i pray that you all focus on the good times im sure keasha dont want the family to be in pain or sad but to thank GOD that there is no more pain and suffering and that she is in a better place WITH OUR ALMIGHTY GOD my prayers go out to the family and may GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by shelly
11:48 pm - Dec 31, '11

God bless and confort you and

God bless and confort you and yor family.

by ImThinking
8:51 pm - Dec 31, '11

This was so touching. I am

This was so touching. I am in tears. The love the two of you have for one another will live on forever. My families thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am sure this is a very hard time for Chris but know that your beautiful wife is smiling down on you from heaven. May God keep you strong in your time of bereavement.

by Kim
7:48 pm - Dec 31, '11

I don't think I have ever

I don't think I have ever seen anything so touching as this. Chris and Keasha were one of the sweetest couples I think I've ever seen. I'm not a big football follower and I just ran across this in my internet surfing. I'm so thankful I did. It is inspiring beyond words. I'm so sorry this had to happen to Keasha. It is so very hard to understand, but she truly was an example for everyone to follow. I am also so thankful she had such an honorable man as Chris. His love for her goes far beyond anything else he has accomplished. Lucky is the man or woman who has someone that will stand by them with that love and dedication. To everyone who watches this, may it be a lesson of what true and ultimate caring and love is really all about.

by Mona
7:25 pm - Dec 31, '11

On behalf of Elite Soiree

On behalf of Elite Soiree Luxury Weddings, we send our deepest condolences to Retired NFL Player Chris Draft and his family for the loss of his lovely wife Keasha Rutledge Draft to cancer one month after their wedding. May your memories bring you comfort. Our hearts are with you and your family. Taylor Lea Thomas Elite Soiree Luxury Weddings

by Taylor Lea Thomas
5:43 pm - Dec 31, '11

Shameless plug. You should be

Shameless plug. You should be ashamed of yourself trying to promote your business while this man is grieving. I hope nobody on this site uses your business.

by Anonymous
12:11 am - Jan 2, '12

Shameless plug. You should be

Shameless plug. You should be ashamed of yourself trying to promote your business while this man is grieving. I hope nobody on this site uses your business.

by Anonymous
12:10 am - Jan 2, '12

May God keep you Chris in his

May God keep you Chris in his care and keeping. Death is the last enemy that Gods says he will free from mankind. May you have faith by drawing close to the God of all comfort who cares. He promises also a resurrection and God does not lie, at John 5: 28, 29, Psalms 147:3.

by Anonymous
5:37 pm - Dec 31, '11

Thank you brother or sister,

Thank you brother or sister, we do have that special hope that our Father promised under the direction of our King that there is going to be a resurrection, that we are all able to gain comfort from knowing our Father has promised us and His Word is True. I am sure your comment will touch the hearts of many who are seeking the truth. Thank you once again.

by TT
8:18 pm - Dec 31, '11

What a beautiful life...God

What a beautiful life...God bless you and your family. Two angels and now one has her wings and is flying higher than ever before. Peace and blessings...God loves her best.

by Terri Hand
4:22 pm - Dec 31, '11

What a beautiful life...God

What a beautiful life...God bless you and your family. Two angels and now one has her wings and is flying higher than ever before. Peace and blessings...God loves her best.

by Terri Hand
4:09 pm - Dec 31, '11

What a beautiful life...God

What a beautiful life...God bless you and your family. Two angels and now one has her wings and is flying higher than ever before. Peace and blessings...God loves her best.

by Terri Hand
4:08 pm - Dec 31, '11

What a beautiful life...God

What a beautiful life...God bless you and your family. Two angels and now one has her wings and is flying higher than ever before. Peace and blessings...God loves her best.

by Terri Hand
4:07 pm - Dec 31, '11

Sorry about your loss Chris.

Sorry about your loss Chris. The video was beuatiful and it really touched my heart looking at the love that was showed between the two of you. May you always cherish the memories that you had with your wife. It is a blessing that the two of you found love in eachother for the time being. May God bring peace to you and her family at this time. Be strong and may God bless you for being a blessing into Keasha's life. Take care.

by Anonymous
3:11 pm - Dec 31, '11

Such a beautiful couple. Why

Such a beautiful couple. Why did he wait so long to marry her?? I had to stop myself from crying as I watched all the pictures and read the story. May God be with him and their family during this time.

by Anonymous29
2:56 pm - Dec 31, '11

That's what I wanted to know,

That's what I wanted to know, why did he wait so long? Maybe this story will serve as a lesson to all the high rollers out there to marry the woman you love before it's too late!

by RealOne
3:03 pm - Dec 31, '11

Mr. Draft, my heart goes Otto

Mr. Draft, my heart goes Otto you and your family during this time of loss. Thank you for sharing your life with the world. Your wife was beautiful and i was blessed by your story. May god keep you, til we all meet in Heaven.

by temeka graham
12:18 pm - Dec 31, '11

God bless. I lost my wife of

God bless. I lost my wife of 35 years to cancer. It is a terrible loss at anytime. Have faith and may you deal with your grief in patience and love.

by Anonymous
11:29 am - Dec 31, '11

I think it's sad that she

I think it's sad that she died. It must be terrible for her family. My prayers go out to her. But my question is, why in the world did he wait so long to marry her? So they spent their marriage in sickness, which is great, but spending it in health would have been awesome too. And I'm sure she wanted that. RIP!

by RudeGal
10:44 am - Dec 31, '11

Agreed. How long were they

Agreed. How long were they an unmarried couple? Do they have illegitimate children? While I'm sure it made her happy that Mr. Draft married her on her deathbed, where was his commitment before this? The fact that he only married her when she was dying says volumes.

by Endallreligionsnow
5:41 pm - Jan 1, '12

What does it matter how long

What does it matter how long they were an unmarried couple. I'm sure they both knew what they were facing and sometimes it's best that if you don't have anything positive to say than don't say anything at all. My prayers go out to the families

by Anonymous
3:59 pm - Jan 9, '12

You're an idiot! You know

You're an idiot! You know nothing about these peoples' lives and you take this as an opportunity to be judgemental! Shame on you!

by Marie
1:56 pm - Jan 9, '12

my prayers go out to tha

my prayers go out to tha draft family she may be gone but never forgotten u showed us that love conquers all n how to love unconditionally there r no words to ease tha hurt ur feeling in saying that trust God he not only holds her n his hands but u as well

by Anonymous
10:30 am - Dec 31, '11

my prayers go out to tha

by Anonymous
10:29 am - Dec 31, '11

Sorry to hear about your

Sorry to hear about your loss, may God continue to bless you and your family

by Russell Holloway
10:20 am - Dec 31, '11

On 11/15 I lost my beautiful

On 11/15 I lost my beautiful daughter to cancer. Thanks for sharing a few of your memories. It's evident in your wife's smile that she is one of God's beautiful flowers. No longer is she trapped in a body that failed to respond to her will. Her beautiful spirit is now free; she's part of the heavenly hosts. And what a beauty she is. May the strength of God comfort you in your loss.

by Gwen
9:37 am - Dec 31, '11

Chris you are truly one of a

Chris you are truly one of a kind. It's so unbelievable that people like you still exist. This is what true love is all about. I pray that the good lord would continue to bless you and see you through this difficult time.