CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Following its home loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday, the North Carolina football team announced via social media that graduate senior receiver Tylee Craft died after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Craft, 23, was a star at Sumter High in South Carolina before joining UNC in 2020 as a true freshman. The former 4-star prospect went on to appear in 11 games across two seasons for the Tar Heels before he was diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rare type of lung cancer.
Craft missed both the 2022 and 2023 seasons while battling his illness. Earlier this week, UNC head coach Mack Brown and other members of the team's coaching staff visited Craft on Oct. 9. That day, he also received his Master's Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.
"Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we'll always be thankful for," the team said in a statement. "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."
According to the National Library of Medicine, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive type of lung cancer that normally leaves diagnosed patients with 8-12 months of survival.
UNC's game against Georgia Tech on Saturday was recognized as a "Cancer Awareness Game."
Those who want to support Craft's family in the wake of his death can purchase this shirt. You can also buy a variation in person at Chapel Hill Sportswear in Chapel Hill. One hundred of the proceeds go back to his family.
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