Former Clemson wide receiver Diondre Overton, a two-time national champion with the Tigers, died early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024, in his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina. He was 26 years old.
According to a statement from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call about a loud party and noise disturbance around 2:30 a.m. on September 7 at 3205 Spring Mill Road in Greensboro. While en route, they received an update that a shooting had occurred at the location. Upon arrival, they found Overton, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts to provide medical aid.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that the incident is currently being investigated as an active and ongoing homicide case. No suspects have been named at this time.
Overton played for Clemson University from 2016 to 2019, contributing to two national championship seasons in 2016 and 2018. Over his college career, he appeared in 51 games, recording 52 receptions for 777 yards and seven touchdowns. In his senior year, Overton was voted a permanent team captain and received academic honors, being named to the All-ACC Academic team.
Dabo Swinney, the head coach at Clemson, conveyed his profound dismay and sorrow upon learning of Overton’s passing. He described feeling physically affected by the news, using a metaphor to express how it impacted him deeply. Swinney praised Overton’s character, emphasizing that he was among the most genuinely kind-hearted individuals to have been part of the Clemson program. The coach concluded by expressing his personal emotional pain over the loss.
Before Saturday’s game against Appalachian State, Swinney made a poignant gesture by stopping to pat Overton’s captain’s plaque as the team entered Memorial Stadium. The Tigers also held a moment of recognition for their fallen teammate, with two current players wearing Overton’s number 14 leading the team down the hill in his honor.
One of Overton’s former teammates took to social media to share their grief and memories. Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins wrote 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 marked by several notable performances, including a standout game against Boston College in his senior year. In that matchup, he recorded 119 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the Leather Helmet Award as 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 pursued a professional football career. He had stints with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League and the Vienna Vikings in the European Football League. In 2022, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL, where he played for two seasons. Most recently, Overton had been selected to join the Memphis Showboats of the newly formed UFL.
As the investigation into Overton’s death continues, the football community and Clemson family are left to grapple with the sudden loss of a young athlete remembered for his on-field contributions and his positive spirit off the field.