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
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
UNC Football at Pittsburgh (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff TimeUNC will head up to the Steel City Saturday to face No. 25 Pitt, which enters the game with a 5-0 record. The Tar Heels have won 8 of 11 meetings with the Panthers since they joined the ACC. If you aren’t traveling north with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Swamping the GatorsThe term "football weather" doesn't usually mean a rainstorm, but a memorable Kenan Stadium win for UNC came on just that kind of day.
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Dress for SuccessUNC alumnus Hal Fischer recalls his surprise at seeing Tar Heel fans at Kenan Stadium dressed in coats and ties.
2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: PittsburghUNC will make the trip up north to face No. 25 Pittsburgh Saturday. The Panthers are making their debut in the AP Top 25 this week after beginning the season 5-0. Pitt is coming off a thrilling 35-33 win at Virginia Tech which saw the Hokies miss a potential game-winning field goal as time expired. […]
With a Long Stretch Ahead, UNC Football Can't Afford to Look BackwardInstead of taking any sort of moral victory from Saturday's loss to No. 3 Notre Dame, UNC is focusing on its long road ahead.
No. 3 Notre Dame Pulls Away in Second Half, Beats UNC Football in Chapel HillNo. 3 Notre Dame imposed its will in the second half at a rainy Kenan Stadium, pulling away from a spunky Tar Heel team for a 37-26 win Saturday. “Hard-fought game,” head coach Bill Belichick said afterward. “Proud of the way our guys competed. We just weren’t able to make enough plays, really in any […]
As a Heavy Underdog, UNC Football Focusing on Itself vs. No. 3 Notre DameWill UNC beat No. 3 Notre Dame Saturday at a sold-out Kenan Stadium? History tells us that’s not likely to happen.
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Wait, Which One is Kenan?UNC band director Jeff Fuchs recalls a miscommunication when staging a pregame ceremony at Kenan Stadium, and the hilarious consequences.
UNC Football vs. Notre Dame (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff TimeUNC will return to action Saturday when it hosts No. 3 Notre Dame at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels have lost five straight meetings with the Fighting Irish and have not logged a win since 2008. If you aren’t attending the sold-out game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those […]
Chansky's Notebook: Hurricane HappinessWith the potential for rain Saturday when UNC hosts No. 3 Notre Dame, Art Chansky remembers a rain-aided upset win for the Tar Heels.
›
