### UNC Football Mourns the Loss of Inspirational Teammate Tylee Craft

Tylee Craft, a beloved member of the University of North Carolina football team, passed away on Saturday at the age of 23 after a courageous battle with cancer. His extraordinary spirit and resilience inspired his teammates and left a lasting impact on the Tar Heel community.

"Our hearts are heavy as we announce that Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side," wrote Carolina Football in a heartfelt tweet. "He meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we'll always be thankful for. He was one-of-a-kind and will forever watch over us with his cheerful smile and boundless positivity."

Head coach Mack Brown shared that the team was informed on Thursday that Craft was transitioning to hospice care. "They all know what that means," Brown said solemnly. "So they all ran to see him. Hugged him, talked to him, laughed with him." These moments of camaraderie were a testament to the deep bonds Craft had formed with his teammates.

Craft, hailing from Sumter, S.C., joined the Tar Heels as a highly-touted four-star wide receiver prospect, enrolling in January 2020. He made 11 appearances over the next two seasons, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. However, his life took a challenging turn in March 2022 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. Despite this setback, Craft's spirit never wavered, and he immediately began chemotherapy at UNC's Lineberger Cancer Center.

Throughout his battle, Craft remained an integral part of the football program. The team honored his resilience with various tributes, including helmet stickers with his No. 13 jersey and dedicating their 2022 spring game to him. His inspiring journey earned him the 2022 Disney Spirit Award, which celebrates the most inspirational figure in college football.

Despite his illness, Craft continued to be a regular presence at practices, meetings, and games, embodying a commitment to his team that never faltered. He achieved a significant milestone earlier this year by earning his undergraduate degree from UNC and had begun working toward a graduate degree. Craft had shared with Chapelboro his aspiration of becoming an NFL scout, a testament to his enduring passion for football.

"He's a wonderful lesson for all of us," Brown expressed. "Because of who he is, what he is, what he stood for at 23 years old. He's tough as nails... I never heard him gripe one time."

Tylee Craft's legacy as a symbol of strength, positivity, and unyielding spirit will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.