North Carolina football player Tylee Craft dies of rare lung cancer at age 23

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina football player Tylee Craft died Saturday morning of a rare form of lung cancer, coach Mack Brown said.

Brown made the announcement in his postgame press conference following the Tar Heels' loss to Georgia Tech. Craft was 23.

“This young man fought so hard in his two and a half years,” Brown said. “The doctors told us that he survived the time he should have survived. And he did it with vigor, he did it with a smile on his face, he didn't miss a meeting, he didn't miss a practice, he coached these other incredible young people.”

UNC had honored Craft — who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in March 2022 — during Saturday's football game, which also happened to be the team's annual cancer awareness game. Friends and family members wearing T-shirts with Craft's name and number were honored during an on-field ceremony.

Wide receiver JJ Jones wore Craft's jersey with his number 13 and last name 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 witnessing an emotional hug with Craft's mother at the end of the first quarter.

“I think the family feels the love and will continue to feel it,” Brown said. “What we need to do is be strong and pray for strength for ourselves as leaders to help these guys on and off the field. … So more than ever, I need to advocate for them and be stronger and make sure I can help them get through things and move forward in their lives.”

UNC Football also announced Craft's death in a statement posted on social media, followed by a tribute video to Craft's memory. In addition, the UNC men's basketball team wore t-shirts with Craft's name and number at its intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center after the football game and observed a moment of silence before the scrimmage in honor of Craft.

Craft, from Sumter, South Carolina, played seven games at receiver and special teams as a true freshman in 2020 and four games in 2021 before his diagnosis. Still, he remained a presence and close to the program.

“Tylee meant so much to so many and influenced us in ways for which we will always be grateful,” the football program said in a statement. “He was a loner, and even though he won’t be with us physically, he will be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”

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