Former Clemson Tigers receiver Diondre Overton was a key piece of multiple national title teams. But more than that, he was a teammate and a friend of so many. So it’s not surprising that his former head coach would be visibly emotional after his tragic passing.
Ahead of Clemson’s matchup with Appalachian State on Saturday, head coach Dabo Swinney had a poignant tribute to honor his former wide receiver after Overton was shot and killed, as the team announced Saturday morning.
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Visibly Emotional Over Passing of Former Wide Receiver Diondre Overton
Overton was a standout two-way player at Page High School in Greensboro, N.C., before he signed with Clemson and became a key part of the 2016 and 2018 National Championship teams.
After graduating, Overton played for a few international teams, signing with Canada’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Vienna Vikings of the European Football League.
But his life was tragically cut short at the age of 26 after he was shot at a party in his hometown early Saturday morning.
Swinney had a touching tribute before the Tigers’ matchup with Appalachian State.
During the Tiger Walk, which is when Clemson enters the stadium, Swinney stopped at Overton’s captain’s plaque, knelt down, and blew a kiss.
Overton was a beloved member of Tiger Nation, and it’s obvious that his death is an emotional blow to Clemson’s head coach.
Emotional stuff: During Tiger Walk just now, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney stops, kneels and blows a kiss to Diondre Overton’s captain plaque. Overton, a former Tigers wide receiver, died at age 26, the team announced this morning pic.twitter.com/Be0K7vfzL7
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 7, 2024
The investigation into Overton’s death is ongoing, and police have yet to name any suspects. At this time, all we know is that a beloved friend, son, and teammate was taken far too soon.
The Clemson Tigers play the Appalachian State Mountaineers at 8 p.m. ET on the ACC Network. The Tigers have not yet announced if there will be an official tribute to Overton.
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