Diondre Overton, a former wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers and twice a national champion, tragically lost his life in the early hours of Saturday, September 7, 2024. Overton, who hailed from Greensboro, North Carolina, was just 26 years old.
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina released a statement indicating that deputies were dispatched to a disturbance call concerning a loud party at 3205 Spring Mill Road in Greensboro around 2:30 a.m. on September 7. While on the way, they received additional information about a shooting at the same location. Overton was discovered at the scene, where he was pronounced dead despite attempts to provide medical assistance.
As per the Sheriff’s Office, the incident is being treated as an active homicide investigation. No suspects have been identified as of now.
Overton had a successful stint with Clemson University from 2016 to 2019, during which he helped the Tigers secure national championships in 2016 and 2018. He played in 51 games throughout his college career, notching up 52 catches for 777 yards and seven touchdowns. In his final year, Overton was elected as a permanent team captain and also achieved academic distinction by making it to the All-ACC Academic team.
Upon hearing the heartbreaking news, Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s head coach, expressed profound grief and shock. Swinney lauded Overton’s character, emphasizing his kindness and the significant impact he had on the Clemson program.
Prior to the game against Appalachian State on Saturday, Swinney paused to touch Overton’s captain’s plaque as the team made their way into Memorial Stadium. The Tigers also paid tribute to their late teammate, with two players donning Overton’s number 14 and leading the team down the hill in his memory.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver and a former teammate of Overton’s, shared his grief on social media. Higgins posted on Instagram, “Brotha I miss you already man. I love you 5L….I’m hurting bad bout this right now. Rest Easy Big Play.”
Overton’s college career was highlighted by several impressive performances, such as a game against Boston College during his senior year. In that game, Overton registered 119 yards and three touchdowns, earning the Leather Helmet Award for the game’s Most Valuable Player and ACC Receiver of the Week honors.
After graduating from Clemson in 2019 with a degree in sports communication, Overton sought a career in professional football. He played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League and the Vienna Vikings in the European Football League. In 2022, the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL drafted him, where he played for two seasons. Most recently, Overton had been chosen to play for the Memphis Showboats of the newly established UFL.
As inquiries into Overton’s untimely death continue, the sports world and the Clemson community mourn the loss of a talented young athlete remembered not only for his on-field prowess but also his inspiring off-field persona.
