Tylee Craft, a wide receiver for the University of North Carolina, has passed away at the age of 23 after a prolonged battle with cancer, as announced by the university on Saturday.
Craft, who was regarded as a four-star recruit, played two seasons for the Tar Heels in 2020 and 2021. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022.
In a statement, the university expressed its sorrow, 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 one of a kind, and while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”
In 2022, Craft received the Disney Spirit Award, which honors the most inspirational figure in college football.
Before the game against Georgia Tech at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, the school paid tribute to Craft. Head coach Mack Brown shared an emotional moment with Craft’s mother and led a 13-second applause in his honor. Wide receiver JJ Jones donned Craft’s No. 13 jersey for the game.
Following the team’s 41-34 loss, an emotional Brown spoke about the challenges of conveying the news of Craft’s passing to the team. Wearing a “Tyler Strong” shirt emblazoned with a large #13, he reflected on the difficulty of telling young players about the loss of their friend and teammate.
“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” Brown told reporters. “The doctors told us he outlived what he should have, and he did it with a spirit. He attended every meeting, missed no practice, and coached other young players. He was truly an incredible young person.”