Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Tylee Craft, a North Carolina football player, died Saturday morning of a rare form of lung cancer, according to his coach, Mack Brown.
Brown made the statement during his postgame press conference after the Tar Heels’ loss to Georgia Tech. Tylee was 23.
“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” Brown told the media. “The doctors told us that he lasted longer than he should have. And he did it with energy, with a smile on his face; he didn’t miss a meeting, a practice, and he guided these other great young people.”
North Carolina Football Player Tylee Craft Dies From Rare Lung Cancer At 23
UNC honored Tylee , who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in March 2022, at Saturday’s football game, which also served as the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Game. During an on-field ceremony, friends and family members dressed in shirts with Craft’s name and number were honored.
J.J. Jones, a wide receiver, wore Tylee’s jersey against the Yellow Jackets, which had his number 13 and last name.
Brown told reporters that he did not learn of Tylee’s death until after the game, but he knew 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’ll continue to feel the love,” Brown told the audience. “As leaders, we must be strong and pray for strength to support our teammates both on and off the field. … So, more than ever before, I need to step up and be stronger for them, ensuring that I can help them manage their affairs and go forward in their life.”
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North Carolina Football Player Tylee Craft Dies From Rare Lung Cancer At 23
UNC football also confirmed Craft’s passing on social media, followed by a tribute film in his memory. In addition, the UNC men’s basketball team donned shirts with Craft’s name and number for their intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center after the football game, and there was a pre-scrimmage minute of silence in his honor.
Tylee, a true freshman from Sumter, South Carolina, appeared in seven games at receiver and on special teams in 2020, as well as four games in 2021, before being diagnosed. Nonetheless, he remained present and connected to the program.
“Tylee meant so much to so many and had an impact on us in ways we’ll always be grateful for,” the football program said. “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.”
SOURCE | AP
