Passing of ‘gentle giant’ Dee Hardison

Posted Apr 26, 2018
Described as a “gentle giant” by coaches who knew him, UNC standout Dee Hardison, who went on to a long career in the NFL, passed away Saturday leaving family and friends to mourn the loss of a big man with an even bigger heart. William David “Dee” Hardison died at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he had been hospitalized for several weeks. (Sampson Independent)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

Where does Drake Maye's sophomore season rank among greatest second-year QB seasons in NFL history?
Of all the stats on Drake Maye, this may be my favorite: He's the first quarterback to post the NFL's best record (14-3), completion percentage...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - Can UNC copy the Indiana Football blueprint?
Two days after Indiana won the National Championship in football, Inside Carolina's Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley discuss the impact of the Hoosier run on...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

UNC Football transfer portal takeaways: Wins, losses, and remaining questions
The transfer portal window closed Jan. 16, and UNC Football believes it improved its roster. The Tar Heels signed 17 transfer players and re-signed several...
Mon Jan 19, 2026

THT Newsletter: UNC Basketball's Bay Area Blues, Dylan Mingo Update, Drake Maye to AFC Championship
Hubert Davis’ seat is heating up as UNC Basketball continued its disappointing defensive run by dropping both games of its California road trip, Dylan Mingo...
Mon Jan 19, 2026