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Tyler Craft, North Carolina's beloved receiver, suffered from a rare form of lung cancer and died, coach Mack Brown announced Saturday.
Brown made the announcement at the postgame press conference following the Tar Heels' loss to Georgia Tech. Craft was only 23 years old.
“This young man has fought so hard in his two and a half years,” Brown said.
“The doctors told us that he lived as long as he should have. And he did it with enthusiasm, he did it with a smile on his face, he never missed a meeting, he never missed a training session, he trained another amazing young people.”
UNC honored Craft — who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in March 2022 — during Saturday's football game, which also served as the team's annual cancer awareness game.
North Carolina winger Tylee Craft (13) comes on the bench during the 2023 game
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown (left) embraces September Craft, mother of North Carolina winger Tylee Craft, whose death was announced Saturday
During the on-field ceremony, friends and family members wearing jerseys with Craft's name and number were recognized.
Winger JJ Jones wore Craft's No. 13 jersey with his name on it in the game against the Yellow Jackets.
Brown told reporters he didn't learn of Craft's death until after the game, but he sensed something had happened after an emotional hug with Craft's mother late in the first quarter.
“I think the family feels the love and will continue to feel the love,” Brown said. We need to be strong and pray for strength for us as leaders so that we can help these boys on and off the field. … So more than ever, I need to step up, be stronger for them, and make sure I can help them cope with all of this and move forward in their lives.
UNC Football also announced Craft's death in a statement posted on social media, which was later followed by a video in tribute to Craft's memory. Additionally, the UNC men's basketball team wore jerseys with Craft's name and number during intrasquad play at the Smith Center after the football game and held a moment of silence in Craft's honor before the game.
Craft received numerous awards during his 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. Despite this, he remained present and close to the program.
“Tylee meant so much to so many people and impacted us in ways we will always be grateful for,” the football program said in a statement. “He was 1 of 1 and although he won't be with us physically, he will be watching over us with his winning smile and endless positive attitude.”
Craft was recognized in 2022 with the Disney Spirit Award, given annually to a college football player or team that inspires the public.
North Carolina fans weren't alone in sharing their sadness online. Several other fans expressed their condolences from across the country.
“Prayers from VolNation,” wrote a fan in Tennessee.
“Sending prayers from Buckeye Nation,” added the Ohio State fan.
One fan from North Carolina shared a particularly touching message: “We have lost an incredible young man and a warrior in every sense of the word. My heart is broken for his family and everyone who loved him.
