Mack Brown shows off Virginia football notes of support after passing of Tylee Craft
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown revealed on Twitter Sunday evening that Tony Elliott and the Virginia football program gave UNC handwritten notes of support after the passing of Tylee Craft.
Brown posted a picture with several handwritten notes Sunday evening, a day after the Tar Heels earned a road win over Virginia. You can check out the picture from Brown below:
Virginia players also wore special helmet decals on the back of their helmets when they played against the Tar Heels on Saturday, in support of Tylee Craft.
The former North Carolina receiver and student coach died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. Mack Brown previously shared how UNC will continue to honor Craft.
“We’re going to keep his locker. … 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.”
Tylee Craft was hospitalized in early October as his condition deteriorated. And a week after being admitted for more intensive treatment, the somber news came from the Tar Heels.
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“It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side,” the North Carolina football account posted on Twitter said. “Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity. On behalf of his family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during his battle with cancer. It means more than you know.”
The Tar Heels played an annual cancer awareness game earlier this month. Craft, due to his worsening condition, couldn’t attend in person.
“Let me start by saying this is the cancer awareness week for our game. We are dedicating the game to Tylee Craft,” said Brown. “We’re not sure that he’ll be able to come. We’re hoping he’ll feel better by then.”
Craft appeared in 11 games at wide receiver and on special teams for North Carolina over his first two seasons. However, with his diagnosis of a rare lung cancer in stage four, he missed each of the last two. Craft then medically retired in order to serve as a student coach at UNC.