Simran Joshi
Former University of North Carolina (UNC) wide receiver Tylee Craft has passed away at the age of 23 after a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Craft’s death was announced on Saturday, October 12, by UNC’s head coach, Mack Brown, following the Tar Heels’ game against Georgia Tech. Despite being diagnosed in 2022, Craft remained an inspirational figure to his teammates and the broader football community, known for his resilience, positive spirit, and dedication to the sport he loved.
Tylee Craft’s Battle with Cancer and Impact on UNC Football
Tylee Craft, a former wide receiver for the University of North Carolina, passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 23, after a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Diagnosed in 2022, Craft was told he had limited time, but he defied expectations, living more than two and a half years beyond what doctors had initially projected. UNC head coach Mack Brown shared that Craft fought valiantly and continued to attend team meetings and practices, even after his diagnosis. Despite his battle, Craft remained a positive influence on the team, encouraging his teammates with his unwavering spirit.
Craft’s death was announced during a postgame press conference by Coach Brown after UNC’s game against Georgia Tech, which coincidentally was also the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Game. His passing was deeply emotional for the team, with Coach Brown acknowledging how difficult it was for him and the players to process the news. Brown noted that several players were brought to tears when they learned of Craft’s passing, including former teammate J.J. Jones. The game became a poignant moment for everyone involved, serving as a reminder of the deep bond Craft shared with his team.
Legacy of Inspiration and Continued Contributions to the Program
Even after his cancer diagnosis, Tylee Craft continued to inspire his teammates and the UNC community. In 2022, Craft was awarded the Disney Spirit Award, a prestigious honor given to the most inspirational figure in college football. His positive outlook on life and determination to remain involved with the sport he loved left a lasting impression on those around him. “I love catching passes, scoring touchdowns, running,” Craft once told ESPN, expressing his passion for the game and the joy he found in creating memories with his teammates.
Craft earned his bachelor’s degree in May 2024 and stayed on at UNC as a graduate student and assistant coach, continuing to be a mentor to younger players. His resilience and optimism through his fight with cancer made him a beloved figure not only within the football program but across the wider university community. In a statement following his death, UNC expressed gratitude for the impact Craft had on their lives, saying, “Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for.” His legacy of strength, positivity, and leadership will forever be remembered by his teammates, coaches, and fans.
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