Florida State pays touching tribute to sister of Clemson star Bryan Bresee

Florida State went out of the way to honor the sister of Clemson star Bryan Bresee with an Ella Strong logo at Doak Campbell Stadium.

It would have been easy for Florida State and Clemson to come into Saturday’s matchup with their minds on football and football alone.

Instead, the Seminoles put the rivalry aside for a classy gesture toward their opponent.

Doak Campbell Stadium features a Clemson logo this week, thanks to the Ella Strong logo that was placed near the field to honor the sister of Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee.

Florida State pays tribute to Bryan Bresee’s sister with Ella Strong logo

Bresee’s sister, Ella, tragically died of brain cancer in September at the age of 15. The team and the Clemson community has rallied around her memory this season. Bresee has dealt with injury and health problems this season but returned to the field for an emotional victory over Wake Forest in overtime.

He has missed the last two games with a kidney infection but is expected to suit up on Saturday.

Credit to the Florida State program for lending their support to the Bresee family and the Ella Strong movement. They didn’t need to make that gesture. It’s proof that compassion doesn’t have to be limited by competition.

Clemson set the example last year. They honored Bobby Bowden, the long-time Seminoles head coach, on their field after his death last August at the age of 91.

The Tigers come into Saturday’s game ranked No. 4 with an undefeated record to protect. The Seminoles are 4-2 and will be looking for a signature upset to hang their hats on this year. They have not beaten Clemson since 2014.

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