North Carolina Tar Heels Honor the Legacy of Tylee Craft
Chapel Hill, NC – July 9, 2025 – The University of North Carolina Tar Heels football program is mourning the loss of former player Tylee Craft, who passed away at the age of 23 after a courageous battle with a rare form of lung cancer. Craft’s passing has left a void in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and the entire UNC community, but his legacy of strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire for years to come.
On the field, Craft contributed significantly to the Tar Heels during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, appearing in 11 games as a wide receiver and special teams player. His dedication to the team was unwavering, even as he faced the immense challenges of his illness. Despite his diagnosis, Craft remained a visible and supportive presence within the football program, inspiring his teammates with his positive attitude and unwavering determination.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Craft’s impact extended far beyond the gridiron. His inspiring fight against cancer earned him the prestigious Disney Spirit Award in 2022, recognizing his exceptional courage and resilience. He was also named to the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team, a testament to his strength and commitment to raising awareness for rare diseases.
Craft’s commitment to making a difference extended to his role as an ambassador for the White Ribbon Project, where he tirelessly advocated for increased awareness of lung cancer. His fundraising efforts were equally remarkable, helping to raise over $100,000 for the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, a facility providing support to families of patients undergoing treatment.
Even amidst his battle with cancer, Craft continued his academic pursuits, earning his undergraduate degree and embarking on a graduate program at UNC. His dedication to education, even in the face of adversity, serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth. Posthumously, he was honored with the inaugural Eric Montross Public Service Award, recognizing his tireless work in raising awareness of lung cancer and its screening rates in North Carolina.
Craft’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments. He inspired his teammates and the entire UNC community with his positive attitude and unwavering spirit. The phrase “If Tylee can, you can too” became a mantra for the team, reflecting his enduring impact on those around him. The UNC football program and its fans will forever remember Craft for his courageous battle and his inspiring presence. His memory will serve as a constant source of motivation and strength, a testament to his unwavering spirit. The Tar Heels will forever celebrate Tylee Craft, a true embodiment of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. “Tylee Forever” encapsulates the enduring legacy of this extraordinary young man.
