Tributes are pouring in for two-time Clemson national champion Diondre Overton, after his shock death at the age of just 26.
The football team announced the tragic news on Saturday ahead of their game against Appalachian State, writing: ‘Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton.
‘Our thoughts are with his friends and family.’
Overton played wide receiver for the team from 2016 to 2019 and won two national championships, catching 52 career passes for 777 yards.
No cause of death has yet been announced.
Tributes are pouring in for Diondre Overton after his tragic death at the age of just 26
Overton won two national championships while playing wide receiver for Clemson
In the wake of his death, several of his former teammates took to social media to share tributes to their friend.
‘Life ain’t fair man,’ Amari Rodgers wrote, adding: ‘Please tell your loved ones you love them cause you truly never know. Long live Dre.’
Tee Higgins, now a star wide receiver for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, wrote: ‘Brotha I miss you already man. I love you 5L. I’m hurtin bad bout this right now.’
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Xavier Thomas wrote on his former teammate’s Instagram: ‘I love you to death man. Doing it all for you dawg. Fly high.’
Less than 24 hours before his death, Overton had posted a cryptic message on his Instagram Stories, sharing a quote that reads: ‘God is working it out. Don’t worry.’
He also wished a friend – Lennon – happy birthday, which she later reposted, adding: ‘There’s no way this was our last message.’
After college he moved on to the UFL, among other leagues. He is pictured in April 2024 with the Memphis Showboats
Hours before his death, Overton shared a message to his 23,000 Instagram followers
Overton (right) poses for a media photoshoot during his time with the Memphis Showboats
Overton was undrafted after leaving Clemson but went on to sign for various teams in the Canadian Football League and United States Football League.
He was first picked up by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but didn’t play a game for them, before he then headed to Europe to sign for the Vienna Vikings.
In 2022, he headed back to America and was drafted by the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars, before moving on to the Pittsburgh Maulers.
In January of this year, he was selected by the Memphis Showboats.