“Gone too soon” “RIP”: CFB fans mourn as former Clemson WR Diondre Overton dies at the age of 26
It was announced on Saturday that former Clemson wide receiver Diondre Overton has died at 26 years old. No official cause of death has been released either by the school or the family. The Tigers' X account confirmed the news through a tweet that reads as follows:
“Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Fans on Instagram also paid their respects in a post by Rivals.
"RIP," a fan wrote.
"R.I.P Dre gone too soon," another commented.
"So many young lives expiring way to early. What is happening? Condolences to his family, friends and football community," one posted.
Fans were understandably sad and confused by the death of such a young man.
"Thoughts and prayers go out," another fan commented.
"🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," some fans posted.
"Rest easy man 🥺," a comment read.
Overton was a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, and played high school football at Walter Hines Page High School. He earned a degree in sports communication from Clemson University in 2019.
Former Clemson teammates pay their respects to Diondre Overton
Not only did the school take some time to pay its respects to Diondre Overton, but some of his teammates did too. Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Amari Rodgers and current Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas expressed their sentiments with posts on X.
Diondre Overton's numbers at Clemson
Overton played for four seasons at Clemson and was a member of two national championship teams (2016 and 2018). He also won four ACC championships in that time.
In over 1000 snaps played for coach Dabo Swinney's Tigers, Overton made 52 catches and recorded 1000 receiving yards. He also had seven touchdown catches. He was never a starter, only being in the initial lineup five times in four years of college football.
His best game came in his senior year in 2019. In that year's encounter against Boston College, he recorded 119 receiving yards with three touchdowns in only three receptions. For his efforts that day, he earned the Helmet Award as the matchup's Most Valuable Player.
Professionally, he played in the CFL, USFL and UFL. In the USFL, he had his best performance as a pro, playing for the Philadelphia Stars. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 42 catches for 533 yards and five touchdowns.