# Grizzlies Honor Brandon Clarke in Season Opener

> Memphis Grizzlies honor late teammate Brandon Clarke with pregame tribute as Jaren Jackson Jr. prepares for emotional night.
- Title: Grizzlies Honor Brandon Clarke in Season Opener | Shortify
- Summary: Memphis Grizzlies honor late teammate Brandon Clarke with pregame tribute as Jaren Jackson Jr. prepares for emotional night. Memphis Grizzlies held a pregame…
- Keywords: memphis grizzlies, brandon clarke, jaren jackson jr, nba, season opener, memphis, nba all-rookie first team, sports, Grizzlies, Honor, Brandon, Clarke
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-grizzlies-pay-tribute-to-brandon-clarke-who-died-at-twenty-nine-in-season-opener-as-ex-teammate-jaren-jackson-jr-braces-for-emotional-night
- Author: Caroline John
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:29:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: memphis grizzlies, brandon clarke, jaren jackson jr, nba, season opener, memphis, nba all-rookie first team, sports
## Grizzlies hold pregame tribute
Memphis Grizzlies held an emotional pregame ceremony at FedExForum before their season opener against Utah Jazz.
## Brandon Clarke died at 29
Brandon Clarke passed away at 29 years old in May after a career spanning seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.
## Jaren Jackson Jr. returns for emotional night
Jaren Jackson Jr. returned to FedExForum for the first time as an opponent after being traded to Utah in February.
## Jackson calls Clarke his brother
Jackson described Clarke as his brother, saying, 'That’s my brother,' during pregame shootaround.

> That’s my brother
## Grizzlies wear tribute patch
Grizzlies will wear a jersey patch bearing Clarke’s initials throughout the season to honor his legacy.
## Clarke’s community impact
Clarke supported literacy programs and assisted families in Memphis through his nonprofit launched in 2025.
## Grizzlies honor Clarke’s memory
Grizzlies teammates pledged to play with renewed purpose to honor Clarke’s legacy every game this season.
## Key takeaway

Memphis Grizzlies held a pregame ceremony for Brandon Clarke, who died at 29 in May, before their season opener against Utah Jazz.