“Love you man”: Patriots QB Drake Maye gets emotional as loss of former teammate Tylee Craft following death

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye reacted to the death of former teammate Tylee Craft on Saturday. The death of the wide receiver was announced on Saturday by the North Carolina football program on social media after Craft lost his lengthy battle to lung cancer.

Craft was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022. It was discovered after he struggled with debilitating back pain for some time. Despite enduring numerous treatments as the cancer spread throughout his body and brain, he showed remarkable resilience.

Maye, who played with Craft at North Carolina, has joined many who have come out to mourn the loss. Ahead of his first NFL start, the quarterback posted a picture of Craft on his Instagram story on Saturday, inking an emotional message.

“Love you man ❤️ R.I.P,” Maye wrote.

Drake Maye's Instagram story

North Carolina football reacts to the death of Tylee Craft

Tylee Craft’s death became public knowledge on Saturday night after North Carolina's announcement on X. The Tar Heels penned an emotional post on the death of their beloved wide receiver, who received significant support from the program in his battle with cancer.

“It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side," the North Carolina football program said in a social media post.

“Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was one of one and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”

Recruited as a four-star prospect, Craft suited up for North Carolina in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, participating in 11 games across offense and special teams. His career included an appearance in the 2021 Orange Bowl against Texas A&M.

North Carolina honors Tylee Craft’s memory

North Carolina paid tribute to Craft during Saturday's football game against Georgia Tech, which coincided with the team's annual Cancer Awareness Game. Friends and family of Craft donned shirts with his name and number during a special ceremony to honor his memory.

“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” UNC coach Mack Brown said. The doctors told us he outlived what he should have, and he did it with a spirit.

"And he did it with a smile on his face. And he didn’t miss a meeting, he didn’t miss practice. He coached these other young people. He’s just an incredible young person.”

This summer, Tylee Craft transitioned from being an active player to serving as a student coach for the Tar Heels. Despite his ongoing treatments, he had been a dedicated presence at nearly every team meeting, workout and practice, often heading straight to the facility from the hospital.