The Capital One Orange Bowl and the Football Writers Association of America have posthumously honored former UNC receiver Tylee Craft with their annual Courage Award. The award recognizes Craft’s “incredible perseverance and strength in the face of adversity.”

Originally from Sumter, S.C., Craft battled a rare form of lung cancer for more than two years, from his diagnosis in March 2022 until his death in October 2024. During treatment, Craft remained a part of the football program by attending meetings and games and later serving as a student coach. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science and sports administration in May.

“I want to thank the Orange Bowl Committee and Football Writers Association of America for recognizing Tylee and his battle with cancer,” said September Craft, Tylee’s mother. “As Tylee was going through his journey, one thing that was important to him was to spread awareness so people knew they weren’t alone. By continuing to share Tylee’s story, he can continue to have an impact on people going through what he went through, and hopefully, provide inspiration to others.”

Craft was named the winner of the 2022 Disney Spirit Award for his courage. He also served as an ambassador for the White Ribbon Project to raise awareness for lung cancer, raised more than $100,000 for the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals and visited patients at UNC Children’s Hospital.

After Craft’s death, UNC honored him by adding memorial patches bearing his No. 13 jersey to the Kenan Stadium turf. The nutrition room in the stadium is now named in his memory, and plaques featuring Craft’s story and his motto – “Keep swinging” – can be seen inside the tunnel from the locker room to the field.

The Orange Bowl will honor Craft’s legacy during the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinal, which will be played in Miami.

“Tylee is an example that we may encounter many defeats during our lives, but we must not be defeated,” September Craft said. “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it. Throughout Tylee’s battle, he continued to live his dreams and not his fears, and that is a great message for everyone who encounters difficult times.”

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Reinhold Matay

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