With 21 seconds remaining in the first half against No. 3 Notre Dame, rain falling harder over Kenan Memorial Stadium, Billy Edwards Jr. found tight end Jelani Thurman in the front corner of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown pass.
As Thurman got to his feet, he faked an injury and then began doing a Griddy-like celebration while holding up 45 with his hands. Thurman then turned toward the crowd and held up the number again.
Late in the fourth quarter, Edwards and Thurman connected for another touchdown. Once again, Thurman held up 45 with his hands.
North Carolina fell to Notre Dame, 37-26, but Thurman finished the game with five catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. Beyond the statistics, his repeated gesture carried a deeper meaning.
No. 45 is more than the number on Thurman’s jersey. It is a tribute to his mother, Kara Braxton, who died in a traffic collision in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this year.
For Thurman, wearing the number is a way to honor her legacy.
Athletic ability runs in Thurman’s family. His father played college and professional football, while his mother built a career in professional basketball.
Braxton played college basketball at the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Freshman of the Year. The Detroit Shock selected her with the 7th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 WNBA Draft, and she played professionally through 2014. During her career, she earned WNBA All-Star honors and won two championships. She also wore No. 45.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Thurman said one of the lessons she taught him was “always to go hard”. Those lessons remain part of his journey as he continues his football career at North Carolina.
A native of Fairburn, Georgia, Thurman came to Chapel Hill after transferring from Ohio State, where he wore No. 15. During his time with the Buckeyes, he was part of the team that won the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. He announced his intention to transfer following Ohio State’s loss to Miami and committed to UNC in January 2026. After his mother’s passing, he switched to No. 45 in her honor.
The tribute extends beyond the football field. On Instagram, Thurman’s profile picture features him alongside his mother, while his bio reads “Forever 45.”
Since arriving in Chapel Hill, Thurman has emerged as a key target in the Tar Heels’ passing game. Through the Notre Dame game, he recorded 22 receptions for 262 yards and four touchdowns, making him UNC’s second-leading receiving target behind junior Jordan Shipp.
Although the Tar Heels fell short against Notre Dame, Thurman continued to produce the following week, catching a touchdown in North Carolina’s victory over No. 25 Pittsburgh.
As the season continues, whenever you see No. 45 in the end zone, it represents more than another touchdown for the Tar Heels. It represents a son honoring his mother and carrying her legacy with him every time he steps onto the field.
North Carolina will next host Syracuse at Kenan Stadium on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Photo Gallery: UNC faced Notre Dame on Oct. 3, 2026, at Kenan Stadium.
