University of North Carolina (UNC) college football star Tyree Craft has died at the age of 23 after a battle with cancer, the Tar Heels announced Saturday.
“Tyree meant a lot to so many people and impacted us in a way that we will always be grateful for. He was one of one and physically with us. “He may not be here, but he will be watching over us with his adorable smile and endless positivity,” the team wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “On behalf of his family and our program, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee in his fight against cancer. It means more than you know.”
It is with love and fond memories that we announce that Tyree Craft has begun her journey to the other side.
Tylee meant so much to so many people and impacted us in ways that we will always be grateful for. He is One of One and although he will not be with us physically, he will be watching over us with his body… pic.twitter.com/UutVS5QSKk
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
The Tar Heels wide receiver missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to a battle with a “rare lung cancer.” According to For team records. Craft played in four games as a sophomore and seven games as a freshman in 2020.
Craft was touted by ESPN as the No. 7 player in the state and No. 60 wide receiver in the nation. (Related: Utah’s Andre Seldon Jr. Drowns).
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – October 12: North Carolina Tarheels head coach Mack Brown (left) celebrates North Carolina wide receiver Tyree Craft (not pictured), who is battling stage 4 lung cancer. He hugs his mother, September Craft, during the first game. Half of a game against the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets at Keenan Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
“Tyree had an incredible impact on all of us. Even though he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, he picked everyone else up,” UNC head coach Mack Brown said. He spoke with respect for the players. “And no one has sent a better message to our team than the way Tylee has coped with cancer. His actions, the way he has battled this terrible disease, is a true blessing to all of us. It was a learning experience.”
“Tyree meant so much to this team. He was truly the heart and soul of this team,” teammate JJ Jones said in his eulogy. “He’s just a really good guy overall. Everybody loves Tyree.”
In memory of loving Tyree Craft🩵 #TyreeStrongForever pic.twitter.com/ixaSZY0TzB
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
“Tyree Craft. A South Carolina legend. Thank you for all you have done for me and for always inspiring me to fight! God bless me with another brother. I love you forever,” he later said. I wrote With X.
jones I’m honored He got creative by wearing the jersey during the Tar Heels’ 41-34 loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday.
