Beloved North Carolina wide receiver Tyler Craft, who was plagued by a rare form of lung cancer, has died, coach Mack Brown announced Saturday.
Brown made the announcement during his postgame press conference following the Tar Heels’ loss to Georgia Tech. Craft was just 23.
“This young man fought so hard for the last two and a half years,” Brown said.
“The doctors told us he was going to survive what he had to do. And he did it with spirit, he did it with a smile on his face, he didn’t miss a meeting, he didn’t miss a practice, he coached these other great young people.”
UNC had honored Craft — who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in March 2022 — during Saturday’s football game, which also happened to be the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Game.
North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft (13) walks on the bench during a game in 2023
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown (left) embraces September Craft, mother of North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft, whose death was announced Saturday
Friends and family members wearing jerseys with Craft’s name and number were recognized during an on-field ceremony.
Wide receiver JJ Jones wore Craft’s jersey with his number 13 and last name against the Yellow Jackets.
Brown told reporters he didn’t learn of Craft’s death until after the game, but he felt like something had happened after he emotionally hugged Craft’s mother at the end of the first quarter.
“I think the family feels the love and they’re going to continue to feel the love,” Brown said. “What we have to do is be strong and pray for strength for us as leaders to help these guys on and off the field. … So more than ever before, I have to stand up and be stronger for them and make sure I can help them stay on top of things and move forward in their lives.”
UNC Football also announced Craft’s death in a statement on social media, later followed by a tribute video in Craft’s memory. Additionally, the UNC men’s basketball team wore jerseys with Craft’s name and number on them for the intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center following the football game, and held a moment of silence in Craft’s honor prior to the scrimmage.
Craft Receives Multiple Awards During Courageous Battle Against Lung Cancer
Craft, from Sumter, South Carolina, played in seven games as a true freshman in 2020 at receiver and on special teams, and four games in 2021 before being diagnosed. Still, he remained present and close to the program.
“Tylee meant so much to so many and impacted us in ways we will always be grateful for,” the football program’s statement read. “He was 1-on-1 and while he won’t be there in person, he will be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”
Craft was recognized in 2022 with the Disney Spirit Award, given annually to a college football player or team that inspires the public.
North Carolina fans weren’t the only ones sharing their grief online. Several other fan bases offered their condolences from across the country.
“Prayers from VolNation,” one Tennessee fan wrote.
“Prayers from Buckeye Nation,” added an Ohio State fan.
A fan from North Carolina gave a particularly touching message: “We have lost a great young man and a fighter in every sense of the word. My heart is broken for his family and everyone who loved him.”