Tyler Craft, the beloved North Carolina receiver affected by a rare form of lung cancer, has died, coach Mack Brown revealed Saturday.
Brown made the announcement in his postgame press conference following the Tar Heels’ loss to Georgia Tech. Craft was just 23 years old.
“This young man fought very hard during his two and a half years,” Brown said.
‘The doctors told us he survived what he should have lived. 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 practice, he coached these other incredible young men.’
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 off the bench during a 2023 game.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown (left) hugs Septembre Craft, mother of North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft, whose death was revealed Saturday.
Friends and family wearing jerseys with Craft’s name and number were recognized during a ceremony on the field.
Wide receiver JJ Jones wore Craft’s jersey with his number 13 and last name against the Yellow Jackets.
Brown told reporters that he didn’t find out about Craft’s death until after the game, but felt 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 will 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 I have to step up and be stronger for them and make sure I can help them handle things and move forward in their lives.’
UNC football also announced Craft’s death in a statement posted to social media, later followed by a video tribute in Craft’s memory. Additionally, the UNC men’s basketball team wore jerseys with Craft’s name and number to their intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center after the football game, and had a moment of silence before the game in honor by Craft.
Craft received multiple awards during her courageous battle with lung cancer.
Craft, from Sumter, South Carolina, played seven games at receiver and on special teams as a true freshman in 2020, and four games in 2021 before his diagnosis. Still, he remained present and close to the program.
“Tylee meant a lot to many and affected us in a way for which we will always be grateful,” the football program’s statement read. “He was 1 of 1 and, although he will not be with us in body, he will take care of us with his endearing smile and his infinite positivity.”
Craft was recognized in 2022 with the Disney Spirit Award, given annually to a college football player or team who inspires the public.
North Carolina fans weren’t the only ones sharing their grief online. Several other fans offered their condolences from around the country.
“VolNation prayers,” wrote one Tennessee fan.
“Sending prayers from Buckeye Nation,” one Ohio State fan added.
One North Carolina fan offered a particularly poignant message: “We lost an incredible young man and a fighter in every sense of the word.” “My heart breaks for his family and everyone who loved him.”
