Former Clemson wide receiver Diondre Overton has passed away at the age of 26, as announced by the university on Saturday afternoon. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Overton, a four-star recruit from Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, joined Clemson in the 2016 class. During his four-year tenure with the Tigers, he recorded 52 receptions for 777 yards and seven touchdowns, contributing to the team’s victories in the 2016 and 2018 national championships. He earned the distinction of permanent team captain in his senior year, 2019.
As the Clemson team prepared to play Appalachian State on Saturday night, coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged Overton by touching his captain’s plaque.
In a statement on social media, the Clemson football program expressed its condolences, saying, “Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Former teammates also shared their grief on social media. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins remembered Overton on his Instagram story, stating, “Brotha I miss you already man. I love you 5L….I’m hurting bad bout this right now. Rest Easy Big Play.”
Overton’s professional career included experiences in the CFL, the European League of Football, and the UFL, where he was selected by the Memphis Showboats in the UFL dispersal draft earlier this year.