Tylee Craft, a football player for North Carolina, passed away on Saturday morning due to a rare type of lung cancer, as announced by head coach Mack Brown. Craft was 23 years old at the time of his death.

During a postgame press conference following the Tar Heels’ game against Georgia Tech, Brown spoke emotionally about Craft’s bravery and perseverance. “This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” he said. “The doctors indicated that he exceeded their expectations. He did so with indomitable spirit and a smile on his face, attending every meeting and practice, mentoring other young athletes.”

On the day of his passing, UNC celebrated Craft during their annual Cancer Awareness Game, dedicating the event in part to him. Friends and family were present on the field, wearing shirts featuring Craft’s name and jersey number. Wide receiver J.J. Jones donned Craft’s uniform, showcasing his No. 13 during the match.

Coach Brown mentioned that he only learned of Craft’s passing after the game, but noted that he felt a somber moment when he shared an emotional hug with Craft’s mother at the end of the first quarter. “I think the family feels the love and they’ll continue to feel the love,” he expressed. “As leaders, we must find strength ourselves to help these players both on and off the field. I need to be more resilient than ever to support them and assist them as they move forward in their lives.”

The UNC football program publicly mourned Craft’s death through a social media statement and later released a tribute video in his honor. The UNC men’s basketball team also paid homage by wearing shirts with Craft’s name and number during their intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center, which began with a moment of silence dedicated to him.

Craft, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, made appearances in seven games as a receiver and special team member during his freshman year in 2020, and played four games in 2021 before receiving his cancer diagnosis. Despite his illness, he remained a significant presence within the program.

“Tylee meant so much to so many and impacted us in ways we’ll always cherish,” the football program stated. “He was truly one of a kind. Although he may not be with us physically, his loving smile and unwavering positivity will continue to watch over us.”