Former Bucs Player Surprises Fan With Rare Cancer
Key Takeaways:
- Kenneth Bennett was diagnosed with a rare aggressive nerve sheath tumor after discovering a rapidly growing lump
- Moffitt doctors saved Bennett’s arm after chemotherapy, radiation and complex surgery in 2023
- Bennett continues cancer treatment after additional tumors appeared in his hip and lung
At 49 years old, life was busy and familiar for longtime UPS package car driver, husband and father Kenneth “Kenny” Bennett. That changed around Labor Day in 2023, when he discovered a small lump under his arm.
At first, it didn’t seem serious, but the lump quickly began to grow. By the time he was able to see a doctor, the mass had become painful and had grown to nearly the size of a softball. On Oct. 9, 2023, he was diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), a rare and aggressive type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the protective cells covering peripheral nerves.
“When I first heard the dreaded ‘C’ word, my mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario,” Bennett shared. But with the support of his wife, Krista, and the doctors at Moffitt, fear slowly turned into determination and hope.
Intense Treatment
Treatment began immediately at Moffitt Cancer Center and was intense. Kenny underwent four chemotherapy sessions, each lasting around three hours, followed by 25 radiation treatments over five weeks. Surgeons then faced the difficult task of removing the tumor while trying to spare his arm. Thankfully, they succeeded, and his arm was saved.
Kora, 10, and dad Kenny walk Moffitt's hallways together.
Just three months later, another tumor was discovered in Kenny’s hip. While radiation and chemotherapy were again used to treat it, surgery was not an option. Then, in November 2025, doctors found another tumor in his lung. He continues active treatment today.
Cancer has dramatically changed Kenny’s daily life. Once active and hardworking, he is now unable to continue the physically demanding UPS job he loved for nearly 20 years. He is on short-term disability while hoping for long-term approval. Everyday activities, including walking the family dog or playing in the pool with his daughter, have become difficult due to breathing complications caused by the lung tumor.
‘Never Lose Hope’
Despite these challenges, family remains Kenny’s greatest source of strength. He and Krista have been married for 10 years and together for 13. They are raising their confident and spirited 10-year-old daughter, Kora, alongside two energetic cats and a goofy dog who keeps the family laughing during difficult days.
While life looks different now, moments of joy still matter deeply. Kenny loves cheering on Kora at her soccer games, watching his wife and daughter enjoy time together at Weeki Wachee River and proudly rooting for his favorite football team: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His favorite Buc is the recently retired Lavonte David. Last weekend, Kenny received a special surprise: a personalized video message from David himself, offering well wishes and prayers for strength during his ongoing battle.
Through every setback, Ke nnycontinues to fight with resilience and optimism. His advice to others facing cancer is simple but powerful.
“Even during the darkest moments, try your best to stay positive and keep fighting. Lean on the people who love you, trust your doctors and remember that difficult seasons don’t last forever,” Kenny said. “Never lose hope.”
