WATCH: Dabo Swinney gets emotional due to Sonny Cumbie's touching gesture following passing of Bryan Bresee's sister
It has been a difficult week for Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee following the passing of his younger sister, Ella, and Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie wanted to show his support.
With the Bulldogs and Tigers facing off Saturday evening, Cumbie wore one of the “Ella Strong” t-shirts that Clemson players had on during warm ups. But that wasn’t all. According to coach Dabo Swinney, Cumbie also gave him a letter to be delivered to Bresee personally.
“I didn’t know Sonny Cumbie, but he’s forever got a new fan in me,” Swinney said postgame. “Class guy, class act. His whole football team. He came out with an Ella Strong shirt. He gave me a note that he wrote Bryan and I think his team wrote letters. It just makes my heart smile. In this competitive world we’re in, there’s people out there like Sonny Cumbie and that LA Tech crowd. Class group and I appreciate that gesture.”
Clemson went on to win 48-20, but it’s clear that the results were far from the most important thing in Saturday’s contest. Cumbie’s gesture is a great example of the power that sports has to bring people together and sometimes help get them through the toughest moments of their life.
Bresee did not play Saturday in light of the news, but Swinney knows that he and his family were watching. He hopes the gesture not only from Cumbie, but the Tigers players and coaches is able to help them as they navigate this tough time.
“I know that the Bresees were home watching,” Swinney said. “Hopefully, we put a smile on their face. Probably made them made a few times too, but hopefully we were able to take their mind off a very difficult situation for just a little bit of time. It’s going to be a tough week. Our hearts are all heavy and our prayers are with the Bresee family, because they are family.
“This has been an 18-month journey and that sweet Ella is in peace. We’re all better because we knew Ella. I just want the Bresees to know we love ’em. I’ll see you on Tuesday. Bryan will be here tomorrow. I can’t wait to hug his neck.”
Bryan Bresee announces the passing of his sister
Clemson defensive end Bryan Bresee announced heartbreaking news on Thursday, revealing the passing of his sister, Ella.
In an Instagram post that’ll tug on your heart strings, Bresee beautifully found the words to make a post that nobody ever wants to.
“My beautiful sister Ella you amazed me every single day with the fight that you put up and how joyful you were constantly through this battle,” wrote Bresee. “Never did I think I would be sitting here today saying bye to you. I want to thank you for bringing happiness to not only me but so many people. You are the best sister a brother could as for and I know for a fact heaven has gained a beautiful angel today.
“Love you forever and always Ella bear.”
After Clemson defeated Furman last Saturday, Bresee returned home to be with his family as Ella battled brain cancer. He had and continues to have the full support of his team, as Tigers coach Dabo Swinney made one thing clear: football should take a back seat.
Clemson was preparing to honor Ella at the aforementioned game, but she couldn’t make it due to a setback in her treatment. Still, the Tigers gave her the game ball afterward, and Bresee headed back to Washington, D.C. to be with her.
As for his status for Clemson’s game against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 17, Swinney stated Bresee will return whenever he’s ready. His family is more important at the moment.
“I don’t know and really don’t care,” Swinney said of when he thinks Bresee will come back. “As I said yesterday, there’s a lot more important things than football. He needs to focus on what he’s doing and [if] he’s ready to be back and ready to play, hey, we’ll be here. But right now, he’s right where he needs to be.”
After Clemson’s victory in Week 2, the Tigers donned “Ella Strong” shirts to honor her. Additionally, she was with the team the entire week prior, even speaking with the Tigers last Wednesday.
It’s evident Ella made a huge impact on Swinney and the Clemson team as a whole, inspiring an entire squad full of warriors. Now, they’ll be playing for something bigger than themselves throughout the remainder of the season.
The thoughts and prayers of the football world are with Bryan Bresee, his family, friends and the Clemson Tigers.
On3’s Nick Schultz and Stephen Samra contributed to this report.