The UNC football community is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars. Tylee Craft has passed away after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and fans.
University of North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft has tragically died at the age of 23. Craft lost his life following a battle with cancer, the school confirmed on Saturday, October 12.
Tylee Craft at Kenan Memorial Stadium posted on October 12, 2024, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. | Source: Getty Images
The UNC football team paid tribute to Craft in a heartfelt statement on their official Instagram page, acknowledging the deep impact he had on those around him.
“It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side,” the post read. The tribute highlighted Craft’s unique presence, describing him as “1-of-1,” a player and person whose positive spirit will continue to shine even in his absence.
The UNC football program expressed deep gratitude for the support Craft received throughout his fight with cancer. “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,” the statement concluded, accompanied by the hashtag #TyleeStrongForever, a nod to Craft’s enduring legacy.
Craft’s battle with cancer began on March 14, 2022, when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Still, his journey was marked by remarkable resilience.
Just days after his diagnosis, he shared the heartbreaking update on social media, writing, “Received life-changing news on March 14, but I’ve already started my journey, and we’re on a route to success 💙 I’ll be back, Tar Heel Nation.”
On July 19, 2024, Craft provided fans with an update, expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support as he continued to fight. Even as he faced the toughest challenges, Craft remained deeply involved with the UNC football program.
After retiring from the sport for medical reasons, he transitioned into a coaching role, showing up to practices and games with a smile as early as 6 a.m., inspiring everyone around him even as he faced intense treatments.
His battle with cancer forced him to miss the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but his contributions to the team and his spirit extended far beyond the field. During his sophomore season in 2021, Craft played in four games as a wide receiver and on special teams, competing against Virginia Tech, Georgia State, Duke, and Wofford.
His freshman year in 2020 saw him appear in seven games, including a notable appearance in the Orange Bowl against Texas A&M.
Even after stepping away from the game, he remained a significant presence, winning the Disney Spirit Award and being named to the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team. Craft also achieved academic success, graduating in the spring of 2024 and continuing his education in graduate school while managing his treatments.
His GoFundMe page, which sought support for his medical expenses, described him as “an extraordinary young man” who, despite the cancer spreading to his liver, brain, and spine, never lost his hope and positivity.
His health had declined in recent months, prompting the need for out-of-state care. Despite the challenges he faced, his resilience and positivity became a source of inspiration for his teammates and the broader UNC community.
Before making his mark at UNC, Craft stood out at Sumter High School. As an early enrollee, Craft established himself as a top talent, earning a four-star prospect ranking and being named the No. 7 player in South Carolina and the 60th-ranked wide receiver in the nation by ESPN.
He also earned a three-star rating from 247Sports, which listed him as the No. 10 player in Georgia. His skills on the field earned him a spot in the prestigious 2019 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
His junior year was equally remarkable, with Craft contributing 21 receptions for 400 yards and five touchdowns. In addition to football, Craft excelled in other sports, competing in basketball for three years and track and field for two.
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Craft’s final social media post on September 16 showed him looking sharp and elegant in a black suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and a black bow tie.
The series of photos captured Craft standing in some shots and seated in others, radiating poise and strength. Since the news of his passing, fans have flooded the post with heartfelt condolences.
“Hometown Hero. Rest in peace bro. 💙,” One person wrote. Another shared, “Go rest high on that mountain, Tylee. You have finished the fight and have won the race. Rest in eternal peace, Tylee Craft. A Tar Heel gained his wings.” Another commenter wrote, “Tragic man, all love to you, your family, and friends. Prayers ALL AROUND… 🩵”
As the team prepares to move forward without him, Craft’s memory remains a constant source of strength and unity. He leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
