North Carolina wideout Tylee Craft dies at 23 after two-year cancer battle: ‘This young man fought so hard’

North Carolina’s beloved receiver Tyler Craft, plagued by a rare form of lung cancer, has died, coach Mack Brown announced Saturday.

Brown made the announcement during his postgame news conference following the Tar Heels’ loss to Georgia Tech. Craft was only 23.

“This young man has fought so hard these last two and a half years,” Brown said.

“The doctors told us he survived what he should have done. And he did it with spirit, 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 great 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.

North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown (left) embraces September Craft, mother of North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft, whose death was revealed Saturday

Friends and family members wearing shirts with Craft’s name and number were recognized 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 felt something had happened after sharing an emotional hug with Craft’s mother at the end of the first quarter.

“I think the family feels the love and they will continue to feel the love,” Brown said. “What we need to do is be strong and pray for strength for us as leaders to help these guys on and off the field. … So more than ever before, I need to stand up and be stronger for them and make sure I can help them stay on top of things and move forward in their lives.”

UNC Football also announced Craft’s death in a statement on social media, later followed by a tribute video in Craft’s memory. In addition, the UNC men’s basketball team wore jerseys with Craft’s name and number for the intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center after the football game, and had a moment of silence in Craft’s honor prior to the scrimmage.

Craft received several awards during his courageous battle against lung cancer

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

“Tylee meant so much to so many and influenced us in ways we will always be grateful for,” the football program’s statement said. “He was 1-on-1 and although he won’t be with us physically, he will watch over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”

Craft was recognized in 2022 with the Disney Spirit Award, presented annually to a college football player or team that inspires audiences.

North Carolina fans weren’t the only ones sharing their grief online. Several other fan bases offered their condolences from across the country.

“Prayers from VolNation,” one Tennessee fan wrote.

“Sending prayers from Buckeye Nation,” an Ohio State fan added.

A fan from North Carolina delivered a particularly moving message: “We have lost a great young man and a fighter in every sense of the word. My heart is broken for his family and everyone who loved him.”