Heather Dinich, ESPN Senior WriterOct 12, 2024, 06:06 PM ET
Close College football reporter Joined ESPN.com in 2007 Graduate of Indiana University
North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died Saturday morning after a lengthy battle with cancer, the school announced.
Craft, 23, of Sumter, South Carolina, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on March 14, 2022. The UNC community had rallied behind him with the #TyleeStrong hashtag since his diagnosis. He had undergone numerous treatments, but the cancer spread through his body and brain. Still, he had enrolled in graduate courses toward a master’s degree in applied professional studies and graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration.
UNC had honored Craft during Saturday’s football game against Georgia Tech. It also happened to be the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Game. Friends and family members wearing shirts bearing Craft’s name and number were recognized during an on-field ceremony.
Wide receiver J.J. Jones wore Craft’s jersey with his No. 13 and last name during the game. Additionally, the UNC men’s basketball team wore shirts bearing Craft’s name and number for its intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center following the football game, and had a pre-scrimmage moment of silence in