University of North Carolina (UNC) college football star Tylee Craft died at the age of 23 after a battle with cancer, the Tar Heels announced Saturday.
“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,” the team wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/UutVS5QSKk
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
The Tar Heels’ wide receiver missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to his battle with a “rare form of lung cancer,” according to the team’s records. In his sophomore year, Craft appeared in four games and made seven game appearances in 2020 as a freshman.
Craft was hailed as the state’s No. 7 player and the nation’s 60th-ranked wide receiver by ESPN. (RELATED: Utah State’s Andre Seldon Jr. Dies In Drowning).
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Mack Brown (L) of the North Carolina Tar Heels embraces September Craft, mother of North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft (not pictured), who is battling Stage 4 lung cancer, during the first half of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
“Tylee has had an unbelievable impact on all of us. You get told you’ve got stage four cancer and he’s picked everybody else up,” UNC head coach Mack Brown said in a tribute to the player. “And nobody has sent a better message to our team than the way Tylee has handled his cancer. The way he has acted, the way he has fought this awful disease, has been a true blessing and learning experience for all of us.”
“Tylee means so much to this team. He’s pretty much the heart and soul of this team,” teammate J.J. Jones said in the tribute. “He’s such a good person overall. Everyone loves Tylee.”
In loving memory of Tylee Craft 🩵 #TyleeStrongForever pic.twitter.com/ixaSZY0TzB
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
“Tylee Craft. A South Carolina legend. I thank you for everything you’ve done for me and inspiring me to always fight! God blessed me with another brother. Love you forever Lee,” he later wrote on X.
Jones honored Craft by wearing his jersey during Saturday’s game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, which the Tar Heels lost 41-34.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
