North Carolina wide receiver reveals cancer diagnosis

A North Carolina receiver shared a shocking announcement on Wednesday, revealing that he had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Junior Tylee Craft shared the personal news via social media, explaining that he had already begun treatments and is aiming to return to the playing field as soon as possible.

North Carolina receiver Tylee Craft shares cancer diagnosis

“Received life changing news on March 14, but I’ve already started my journey and we’re on a round to success. I’ll be back Tar Heel Nation,” commented Craft on his message, giving the date he received his cancer diagnosis.

Craft has appeared in 11 games for the Tar Heels in his first two seasons, playing on special teams as well as a wideout. Alongside a photo of himself in his uniform, Craft’s official statement outlined the process for him over the few weeks.

“To Tar Heel Nation, I’ve recently been struggling with back pain and it made it very difficult to get through the day, much less play football,” read Craft’s statement. “It got to the point where we wanted to find out if something else was going on. After a visit to the hospital, we found out that I have a rare form of cancer. As a result, I’ll be stepping away from football to focus on this battle and we’ve already started chemotherapy, but I plan on getting back on the field as soon as possible. My family and I are in good spirits and we’re getting all the support we could ever ask for from the football program, the athletics department, and the medical professionals here at UNC. This part of my journey is just the beginning and I’m ready to attack it head on. We appreciate all the support and thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.”

Craft’s story of how the diagnosis was found is a scary one, as he had continued his daily regimen through lingering pain without thinking much of it. As the pain did not lessen, the UNC staff and Craft made the decision to have him examined further — leading to his cancer diagnosis. Within the weeks following his Mar. 14 diagnosis, Craft has already begun chemotherapy and is aiming to return not only to good health, but to his playing career with the Tar Heels.