The tumor in Tylee Craft's lungs is shrinking. The North Carolina wide receiver has endured a tumultuous battle with Stage 4 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer, since March 2022 but received positive news regarding his recovery this week.

"The last scan I had showed the tumor shrunk from 2.6 centimeters to 1.4 centimeters, and that's because of the clinical trial that I am on," Craft shared via a social media from UNC Football's social media accounts. "I've been feeling pretty good. I am starting to work out a little bit more. That's a good thing. Some days, I am tired at practice. Some days, my stomach hurts. But overall, I am doing pretty good."

UNC Hospitals approved Craft for experimental treatments in late June after the cancer spread to his brain. He was hospitalized for 17 days in May and given 10 sessions of radiation treatment before entering the clinical trial.

"Tylee means everything to this team," head coach Mack Brown said in the video. "About 1.5 years ago, he was told he had Stage 4 lung cancer. He went right to work. He started getting his treatment. He's done tremendously well in school. The way he has fought this awful disease has been a true blessing and learning experience for all of us."

Craft's resiliency while navigating his battle with cancer has served as an inspiration for his coaches and teammates.

"If you didn't know Tylee had cancer — you wouldn't know," receivers coach Lonnie Galloway said. "He's at meetings every day. He goes to class every day. I've seen him grow up. He's dealing with something most 21-year-old people don't deal with."

Craft says he's doing well in school and appreciates the support from the Tar Heel fanbase.

"Everybody who has been coming to the games and seeing me in the stands and saying my name or number means a lot," Craft said. "Everything has fallen in place between school, academics, the football team is winning — everything is looking good right now."

Craft was named the recipient of the 2022 Disney Spirit Award in November. Brown said it is the best honor one of his players has ever received.

"Tylee has had an unbelievable impact on all of us. Whether it's on the team as a player, a coach or staff, our university and our state," Brown said. "The Disney Spirit Award to me is the best award that I've ever had a player get because of its meaning." 

The links below provide more details on Craft's diagnosis and battle with cancer:

<<< Tylee Craft Recounts Harrowing Experience With Cancer Diagnosis & Chemotherapy >>>

<<< Craft Hopeful For Progress With New Cancer Treatment >>>