CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Tylee Craft, a football player from North Carolina, passed away on Saturday morning due to a rare form of lung cancer, as announced by head coach Mack Brown. Craft was only 23 years old at the time of his death.
During a poignant postgame news conference after the Tar Heels’ defeat to Georgia Tech, Brown remarked on Craft’s resilience, stating, “This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years. The doctors told us he outlived what he should’ve. And he did it with spirit, always with a smile on his face. He never missed a meeting or practice, and he took the time to coach his fellow teammates.”
In a heartfelt tribute, the University of North Carolina honored Craft during their annual Cancer Awareness Game on the same day of his passing. Friends and family, wearing shirts emblazoned with Craft’s name and number, were celebrated in an on-field ceremony that highlighted his impact on the community. Wide receiver J.J. Jones paid tribute by wearing Craft’s jersey, marked with the number 13, in the game against the Yellow Jackets.
While Brown learned about Craft’s death only after the game concluded, he shared a touching moment with Craft’s mother earlier in the game, sensing the weight of her grief. “I knew something had happened,” he reflected.
“I think the family feels the love and they’ll continue to feel the love,” Brown said. “What we need now is to be strong, and pray for strength as leaders, to support these young men both on and off the field. More than ever, I must step up and be a pillar for them, helping them navigate this journey and move forward in their lives.”
In addition, UNC football released a statement on social media announcing Craft’s death and shortly after shared a tribute video in his memory. The men’s basketball team also honored Craft by wearing shirts with his name and number during an intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center, complemented by a moment of silence dedicated to him before the event.
Craft, originally from Sumter, South Carolina, played in seven games as a true freshman receiver and special team member in 2020, and participated in four more games in 2021 before his diagnosis in March 2022. Despite his health struggles, Craft remained closely connected to the program.
“Tylee meant so much to many and influenced us in ways we will always cherish,” stated the UNC football program. “He was truly one-of-a-kind; while he may no longer be with us in body, his memory will be with us, watching over us with his unwavering positivity and endearing smile.”
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