DALLAS (FWAA) – North Carolina’s Tylee Craft is the first weekly nominee for the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Craft, a fifth-year senior, has battled cancer since 2022 but has remained an integral part of the Tar Heels’ program as a student coach.
"It means a lot knowing that they're still supporting no matter what and I can still be with the team," Craft told the Sumter (S.C.) Item in June. "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."
Craft was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on March 14, 2022. Doctors say he was weeks away from dying before he immediately began aggressive regimens of chemotherapy and immunotherapy at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center.
The cancer has since spread throughout Craft’s body and to his brain, but he is still at every practice, meeting and team function despite continuing to undergo treatment.
In May, Craft earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration. He is now working toward his master’s in applied professional studies.
The Sumter, S.C., native has used his platform to inspire others, as Craft was named the 2022 Disney Spirit Award winner after serving as an ambassador for the White Ribbon Project, which raises awareness for lung cancer. He has spent time visiting patients at UNC Children’s Hospital as well.
Craft helped raise more than $100,000 for the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals through the Mack and Sally Brown Ladies Clinic, and he was named to the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion team as well.
A former three-star wide receiver prospect, the 6-5 Craft played in 11 games across the 2020 and '21 seasons for UNC.
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. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
Previous winners of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award are Virginia runninf back Mike Hollins (2023), Oregon tight end Cam McCormick (2022), the 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).008), 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).
About Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl is a 404-member, primarily-volunteer non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2024 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9. 2025. For more information on the 2025 Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, visit orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.
To submit a nomination for the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl Courage Award, contact Matt Fortuna at matt.fortuna@gmail.com.