North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died after a battle with lung cancer on Saturday, the school announced.
He was 23 years old.
“Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity,” UNC wrote in a statement.
North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft APBrown also commented about Craft’s passing in his postgame news conference following the Tar Heels’ 41-34 loss to Georgia Tech. Craft was 23.
“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” Brown said. “The doctors told us he outlived what he should’ve. And he did it with the spirit, he did it with a smile on his face, he didn’t miss a meeting, he didn’t miss practice, he coached these other incredible young people.”
After signing with the school before the 2020 season, Craft played in 11 games for the Tar Heels before being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022.
The Tar Heels honored Craft — who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in March 2022 —before their game against Georgia Tech on Saturday with a pregame tribute.
It also happened to be the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Game. Friends and family members wearing shirts bearing Craft’s name and number were recognized during an on-field ceremony.
Wide receiver J.J. Jones wore Craft’s jersey with his No. 13 and last name in his honor
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown (L) of the North Carolina Tar Heels embraces September Craft, mother of wide receiver Tylee Craft (not pictured), who died of Stage 4 lung cancer, during the first half of the Tar Heels’ 41-34 loss to Georgia Tech on Oct. 12, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Getty ImagesBrown told reporters he didn’t learn of Craft’s death until after the game but sensed something had happened after sharing an emotional hug with Craft’s mother at the end of the first quarter.
“I think the family feels the love and they’ll continue to feel the love,” Brown said. “What we’ve got to do is be strong, and pray for strength for us as leaders, to help these guys on the field and off the field. … So more than ever before I have got to step up and be stronger for them and make sure that I can help them manage the stuff and move forward in their lives.”
Brown said the team had their chance to say goodbye earlier this week.
“We said to the players on Thursday at practice that he was going to hospice. They all know what that means,” Brown said Saturday. “So they all ran to see him. Hugged him, talked to him, laughed with him.”
— with AP
