North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died Saturday after a lengthy battle with cancer, the school announced. He was 23 years old.
According to his GoFundMe, Craft was diagnosed with stage 4 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung, a rare form of cancer, on March 22, 2022. According to ESPN, the cancer was discovered when UNC’s training staff took him to the hospital as he struggled with debilitating back pain, which led to aggressive treatment of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unfortunately, the cancer eventually spread to his liver, brain and spine. The condition forced him to medically retire, but he remained active with the Tar Heels program in a coaching role.
It is with love and fond memories that we announce that Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side.
Tylee meant so much to so many and influenced us in ways we will always be grateful for. He was 1-on-1 and although he won’t be with us physically, he will watch over us with his… pic.twitter.com/UutVS5QSKk
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
Statement from UNC announcing Craft’s death:
It is with love and fond memories that we announce that Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side.
Tylee meant so much to so many and influenced us in ways we will always be grateful for. He was 1-on-1 and although he won’t be with us physically, he will watch over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.
On behalf of his family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during his battle with cancer. It means more than you know.
With love and affection, #TyleeStrongForever 🩵
A native of Sumter, South Carolina, Craft joined the UNC program as a two-star recruit in the Class of 2020. He played in a total of 11 games as a freshman and sophomore.
UNC head coach Mack Brown told reporters after Saturday’s game, a 42-34 loss, that his staff informed the players during practice Thursday that Craft had entered hospice care and had only days to live. He praised the strength Craft showed in his battle, which reportedly lasted much longer than his doctors expected:
“This young man fought so hard during his two and a half years. The doctors told us that he survived what he should have done, and that he did it with the spirit, and he did it with a smile on his face, and he he has not missed a meeting, he has not missed training, he has coached these other young people. He’s just an incredibly young person.
Brown was seen wiping away tears after sharing a long hug with Craft’s mother at the end of the first quarter.
UNC deemed Saturday the Cancer Awareness Game, with players and coaches wearing “Tylee Strong” shirts during the team’s Bell Tower walk. The UNC basketball team also wore the jerseys before their scrimmage Saturday.
Wide receiver JJ Jones wore Craft’s No. 13 jersey during the Georgia Tech game and caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Jones posted another tribute after the game, as did wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway and athletic director Bubba Cunningham.
Tylee Craft. A South Carolina legend. I thank you for everything you have done for me and inspired me to always fight! God blessed me with another brother. I love you forever Lee❤️ pic.twitter.com/1u9A0ZxnEo
— Jj Jones (@jjjones_5) October 12, 2024
