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Mack Brown thanks EA Sports for adding late UNC WR Tylee Craft to CFB 25

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•about 9 hours•

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Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft tragically passed away from cancer in October. In the midst of the Tar Heels’ season, head coach Mack Brown dedicated a few things in Craft’s honor. Now, a nice gesture from EA Sports has caught Brown’s attention.

Craft was added into College Football 25 in the most recent update. Brown posted a screenshot of the video game as Craft was there wearing No. 13. A nice touch from EA Sports and a better moment for Brown, even after moving on from the North Carolina program.

“A big thank you to @EASPORTSCollege for adding Tylee Craft to the video game in their recent update,” Brown said via X. “Very kind of them to do that for his family and friends.” Two prayer hand emojis and a heart were included as well.

Craft last played in a game in 2021, making four appearances. Not just at wide receiver either, contributing on special teams. He did not step onto the field during the 2022 or 2023 seasons as the battle with lung cancer continued.

Another honor came his way in 2022 by being named the Disney Spirit Award winner. It’s handed out to the most inspirational player or team in college football, a nice moment for Craft.

Now, North Carolina fans or even former teammates have the opportunity to use Craft in EA Sports College Football 25. Brown is more than thankful for his inclusion, expressing a such on Thursday via social media.

Honoring Tylee Craft continues for North Carolina

Brown felt like it was important to keep Craft’s presence around the team after his death. The goal was to not make it awkward but make sure the wide receiver lived on inside the program.

Following a bye week and heading into a rivalry game against Virginia, Brown explained his thought process.

“We’re going to keep his locker,” Brown said in October. “…We’re going to keep his presence as much as we can and without being awkward,” Mack Brown said. “So whatever presence in a meeting, whatever presence in a locker room, the traveling. That’s where the jersey fits, I think.”

North Carolina won the game too 41-14 but there were a few moments bigger than football. Even UVA honored Craft with a helmet sticker they wore throughout the contest.