Fans around the college football world were touched by Dabo Swinney’s pregame gesture on Saturday.
Ahead of tonight’s matchup between No. 25 Clemson and App State, the Tigers head coach made sure to pay his respects to Diondre Overton‘s plaque outside Memorial Stadium.
Overton, a two-time national champion and team captain on Clemson’s 2019 team, tragically passed away at just 26-years-old the school announced this weekend.
Here’s what folks had to say about Dabo’s tribute on social media:
“Dabo Swinney took a moment during the Tiger Walk with Diondre Overton’s captains brick where flowers and a balloon lay to memorialize the former Tiger. Clemson announced his passing this morning,” Beth Hoole reported.
“Clemson coach Dabo Swinney kneeled and touched former WR Diondre Overton’s co-Captain plaque on Tiger Walk,” a user shared.
“Head coach Dabo Swinney takes a moment with the captains plaque for Diondre Overton, a key part of both the 2016 and 2018 championships, who passed away this weekend at just 26 years old,” ABC’s Noah Chast posted.
“Emotional stuff: During Tiger Walk just now, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney stops, kneels and blows a kiss to Diondre Overton’s captain plaque,” Chapel Fowler said.
Emotional stuff: During Tiger Walk just now, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney stops, kneels and blows a kiss to Diondre Overton’s captain plaque. Overton, a former Tigers wide receiver, died at age 26, the team announced this morning pic.twitter.com/Be0K7vfzL7
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 7, 2024
Overton tallied 52 receptions for 777 yards and seven touchdowns across his four seasons with the Tigers.
“Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton,” the program wrote in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Our hearts go out to Overton’s family and loved ones.
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