Tylee Craft, a wide receiver for the University of North Carolina, has passed away at the age of 23 following a battle with cancer, the school announced on Saturday.
Craft, a four-star recruit, played for the Tar Heels during the 2020 and 2021 seasons and was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022.
In a statement, the university expressed its sadness, saying, “It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side. 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.”
Craft received the Disney Spirit Award in 2022, which honors the most inspirational figure in college football.
Before Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech at Kenan Memorial Stadium, the school paid tribute to Craft. Head coach Mack Brown shared an emotional moment with Craft’s mother, and there was a 13-second applause to honor him. Wide receiver JJ Jones donned Craft’s No. 13 jersey for the game.
After the game, a visibly emotional Brown, wearing a shirt that said “Tyler Strong” with a prominent #13, described the challenge of informing the team about Craft’s passing following their 41-34 loss.
“It’s a very, very difficult time for them and at the same time, you do it in a dressing room right after you lost a heartbreaking game. So, they’re struggling,” Brown said. “This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years. The doctors told us he outlived what he should have, and he did it with spirit and a smile on his face. He didn’t miss a meeting or a practice. He coached these other young people. He’s just an incredible young person.”