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
‹
Fans on the Field. Allegations of Home Cooking. Arrests. UNC Football's Last Halloween Home Game was Chaotic
When UNC takes the field against No. 1 Miami Saturday night, it will be the first time the Tar Heels have played a home game on Halloween in 56 years. And while the heavily-favored Hurricanes could make things downright spooky for Carolina fans, this weekend’s contest would have to do quite a bit to live […]
UNC Football vs. Miami (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will host the top-ranked team in the country when Miami visits Kenan Stadium Saturday night. The Tar Heels are looking to beat the No. 1 team for the first time ever. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Mrs. Bunting's Secret Stuff
Reporter Andrew Jones goes through his memories of UNC's thrilling upset win against No. 4 Miami at Kenan Stadium in October 2004.
UNC's Derek McDonald Named ACC Linebacker of the Week
After collecting a career-high 16 tackles in UNC’s 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse Saturday, Derek McDonald was named the ACC’s Linebacker of the Week. Derek McDonald is your ACC linebacker of the week! pic.twitter.com/1rZ8ke2Msa — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 26, 2026 Of McDonald’s 16 total tackles, 11 came after halftime, including a three-yard tackle for […]
2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: Miami
UNC will get a shot at the No. 1 team in the country when the Miami Hurricanes visit Kenan Stadium Saturday. Miami enters the game with a 7-0 overall record and 5-0 mark in the ACC, having blown out Pitt 52-23 at home last weekend. Leading the Canes in his fifth year as head coach […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Breaking and Entering
District Attorney Jeff Nieman remembers when he had a memorable night at Kenan Stadium following one of UNC's most dramatic wins ever.
'It's Just Football': UNC Lost for Words Following Upset Loss vs. Syracuse
UNC didn't have much to say following its stunning 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse at a sold out Kenan Stadium Saturday.
Syracuse Mounts Comeback, Stuns UNC Football in Overtime
Syracuse scored a touchdown on 4th and goal and then made good on a game-winning two-point conversion to stun UNC 31-30 at Kenan Stadium Saturday night. The final score was the first time the Orange had led all night. “Not too much to say about this one,” head coach Bill Belichick said afterward. “They made […]
UNC Football vs. Syracuse (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will look for its third consecutive win when it hosts Syracuse at Kenan Stadium Saturday night. The Tar Heels have won their last three meetings against the Orange by a combined 75 points. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to […]
After Big Win, UNC Football Looking to Avoid Emotional Letdown vs. Syracuse
After an emotional victory at Duke last weekend, UNC says the postgame celebrations are in the past, and that the focus now is on Syracuse.
›