Bon Jovi Honors NJ High School Football Player Who Died

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Bon Jovi has honored a high school football player who died in New Jersey after taking a hit on the playing field last week.

The New Jersey rocker posted a tribute online to 17-year-old Evan Murray, and he placed a sticker with Murray's number 18 on his guitar during a show in the United Arab Emirates Thursday.

Bon Jovi says that as a father of football players, his heart and prayers go out to Murray's family. He wished Murray's teammates at Warren Hills Regional High School in Washington Township the best and told them to "win one for Evan."

Authorities say the 17-year-old died from massive internal bleeding caused by a lacerated spleen.

The funeral for the popular three-sport star and honors student was held Thursday.

Bon Jovi's son, Jesse Bongiovi, made it onto Notre Dame's football team as a walk-on in 2013.