Highlights:
- Former Clemson wide receiver Diondre Overton tragically died at age 26
- Overton played for the Memphis Showboats in the United Football League (UFL)
- The incident occurred during a house party in Greensboro, North Carolina
Memphis Showboats wide receiver Diondre Overton, 26, died in a shooting incident in Greensboro, North Carolina, on September 7, 2024. The Guilford County Sheriff‘s Office responded to a call about a loud house party at 3205 Spring Mill Rd around 2:30 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a shooting had occurred, finding Overton shot at the scene. Despite medical aid efforts, Overton was pronounced dead at the location.
The United Football League (UFL) and Memphis Showboats expressed their grief in a statement:
“The United Football League and the Memphis Showboats are heartbroken and mourn the tragic loss of Diondre Overton. Our hearts and prayers go out to Diondre’s family, friends and teammates. We send our sincere condolences during this difficult time.”
The investigation suggests this was an isolated incident, with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office treating it as an active and ongoing homicide investigation.
Overton’s football career spanned multiple leagues and teams. He played college football at Clemson University from 2016 to 2019, contributing to two national championship victories. During his time at Clemson, Overton caught 52 passes for 777 yards and seven touchdowns, with his senior year being his most productive with 22 receptions for 352 yards and five scores.
After going undrafted in 2020, Overton pursued professional opportunities in various leagues. He spent time with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2021, though he didn’t appear in any regular-season games. Overton then played for the Vienna Vikings in the European League of Football before joining the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars in 2022 and 2023.
In the USFL, Overton made significant contributions over two seasons, accumulating 533 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was part of the Stars team that reached the USFL championship game in 2022, narrowly losing to the Birmingham Stallions 33-30. Following the USFL/XFL merger that formed the UFL, Overton was initially signed by the Pittsburgh Maulers before joining the Memphis Showboats for the 2024 season.
Overton’s final professional appearance was with the Memphis Showboats in the UFL’s inaugural season. He played in seven games for the Showboats, recording three catches for 33 yards. Overton wore jersey number 16 for Memphis, continuing his career as a wide receiver in spring football leagues.
The news of Overton’s death resonated deeply within the football community. His former Clemson teammate, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, expressed his grief on social media, writing,
“Brotha I miss you already man. I love you 5L. I’m hurtin bad bout this right now.”
Clemson University also paid tribute to Overton, sharing photos of him on the field and during his graduation.
Overton’s journey through college and professional football showcased his perseverance and talent. At Clemson, he played alongside future NFL quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, both of whom became first-round draft picks. His ability to adapt to various leagues and teams demonstrated his commitment to the sport and his versatility as a player.
The UFL News Hub family sends our prayers to Overton’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.
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