NORTH CAROLINA’S TYLEE CRAFT NAMED RECIPIENT OF CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL – FWAA COURAGE AWARD

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (December 18, 2024) – North Carolina’s Tylee Craft is the 23rd annual recipient of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, an honor recognizing his incredible perseverance and strength in the face of adversity. The beloved fifth-year senior wide receiver passed away in October 2024 after a lengthy two-year battle with Stage 4 lung cancer while remaining an integral part of the Tar Heels’ program as a student coach.

Craft was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on March 14, 2022, and doctors revealed he was weeks away dying before he immediately began aggressive chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments at UNC Linebarger Cancer Center. Despite the cancer spreading throughout his body and to his brain, Craft continued to attend every practice, meeting, and team function while undergoing treatment.
In May, Craft earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration and continued furthering his education, working toward his master’s in applied professional studies.

A month later, Craft told the Sumter (S.C.) Item: “It means a lot knowing that they’re still supporting no matter what, and I can still be with the team. It makes my days better because I’m able to go and spend time with the team and still be surrounded by my teammates and still go to classes and go to workouts when I can. It helps me get through my days.”

“I want to thank the Orange Bowl Committee and Football Writers Association of America for recognizing Tylee and his battle with cancer,” said Craft’s mother September. “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. Tylee is an example that we may encounter many defeats during our lives, but we must not be defeated. 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.”

A native of Sumter, S.C., Craft’s impact has extended far beyond football. He was named the 2022 Disney Spirit Award winner and has served as and ambassador for the White Ribbon Project, which raises awareness for lung cancer. Craft has also visited patients at UNC Children’s Hospital and helped raise more than $100,000 for the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals through the Mack and Sally Brown Ladies Clinic.

Craft’s inspirational journey has earned his recognition on a national level, including being named to the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion team. A former three-star wide receiver prospect, the 6-foot-5 Craft played in 11 games for North Carolina in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

His courage and resilience throughout his journey touched countless lives, and the Tar Heel community, along with sports fans across the nation, rallied behind him. His legacy as a leader, both on and off the field, continues to inspire others. Craft’s story will be honored during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl. His unwavering spirit, dedication to his team, and fight against cancer remain a testament to his strength and character.

The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.

Previous winners of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award are Virginia running back Mike Hollins (2023), Oregon tight end Cam McCormick (2022), University of Utah football Team (2021), Arkansas State analyst Alex Charlton (2020), Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson (2019), SUNY Cortland linebacker Kyle Richard (2018), Wisconsin safety D’Cota Dixon (2017), Pitt running back James Conner (2016), Miami offensive lineman Hunter Knighton (2015), Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson (2014), San Jose State defensive lineman Anthony Larceval (2013), Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez (2012), Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. (2011), Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand (2010), the University of Connecticut football team (2009), Tulsa’s Wilson Holloway (2008), Navy’s Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson’s Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis’ Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State’s Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo’s William Bratton (2002).