Photo via The Olympian

It is often said that football is more than a game, more than a sport. Football teaches coaches and players how to be leaders, provides life lessons, and instills character in everyone involved.

While many see what happens from the first snap to the last whistle, they don't often see the amazing acts of sportsmanship.

Football fans witnessed several acts of great sportsmanship last weekend, at virtually every level of play. We found a few to share.

This weekend in college football, one of the most talked-about games was when Syracuse defeated the defending National Champions, Clemson, 27-24.

But what happened after the game quickly became one of the most memorable moments of Friday night's matchup.

Clemson's head coach, Dabo Swinney, walked into Syracuse's locker room to congratulate players. This act of sportsmanship is something that won't be forgotten by Syracuse's players and coaches.

Zaire Franklin, Syracuse senior linebacker, told Syracuse.com, "To be knocked down like that, but have the humility to come over and congratulate us when he didn't have to and no one expected him to, I think that says a lot about who he is as a person and a coach,”

Many took to social media to commend Swinney's act of sportsmanship.

After stunning defeat, @ClemsonFB head coach Dabo Swinney went into SYRACUSE locker to show respect for opponent. #sportsmanship #Leadership https://t.co/BwwIAJ0SFd

— Coy Wire (@CoyWire) October 14, 2017

Dabo is all class. Can clearly see him say "I'm so happy for you" to Dino Babers after a potentially season changing loss. pic.twitter.com/2M5nsLtARC

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) October 14, 2017

All class from Dabo. pic.twitter.com/LPSR3DijUr

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 14, 2017

What do you do when the nation's longest winning streak comes to an end? Tell the opposing coach "I'm so happy for you."

Dabo is all class. pic.twitter.com/i4Cr8ebBVq

— Chris Kroeger (@Kroeger) October 14, 2017

Dabo just solidified my respect for him. Came in our locker room, shook our hands and congratulated us. WOW. That's a dude right there✊🏾

— Kayton Samuels 🇯🇲 (@JustMyfans) October 14, 2017

"It was just humble," Franklin told Syracuse.com, "I don't know how to even describe it. That was pretty awesome."

Meanwhile, that same night in Texas, high school football teams, Midlothian Heritage and Dallas Pinkston, came together in a special moment.

Heading into halftime, Heritage lead Pinkston by 46 points, Heritage coach Lee Wiginton decided he was going to use this game to create a memorable experience for Pinkston.

Heritage invited the Pinkston team to join them in a huddle in Heritage's inflatable tunnel. The two teams then entered the second half of the game together, as one.

Never been more proud to be a jag. This is what it's all about. Our kids had the opposing team run out with them..... special moment pic.twitter.com/spFwResLt7

— Heather Blackwell (@mrsHeatherBwell) October 14, 2017

Jack Freeman, an offensive tackle for Heritage, told KDFW, “After we all came out, I told one of our teammates that we’re going to remember that for the rest of our lives, just like they are,” adding, “Because, honestly, that was the best high school football experience I’ve ever had.”

KDFW said, “And they (the players) said they are aware of the advantages they have living in Midlothian, affording them things like the big blow up H they run out of. They said they are glad they got to share the experience with other players.”

Check out the Power of Football.

Saturday's game between the Tennessee Volunteers and South Carolina Gamecocks was close, but Volunteers quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was unable to score the game-tying touchdown, and South Carolina held on for a 15-9 win. Guarantano’s devastation was apparent.

After the game, Guarantano sat on the field with his head in his hands, but he didn’t sit there for long before Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley jogged over to Guarantano to help him up, and embrace him in a hug.

Sportsmanship, pass it on. pic.twitter.com/AJ2NmAnsM5

— Hale McGranahan (@Hale_SECcountry) October 14, 2017

An act of sportsmanship doesn't always have to come in a time of defeat, or an action between opposing teams.

Plantation's (Florida) Under-12 Division flag football team, nicknamed the Oregon Ducks, is showing their sportsmanship by supporting their coach and teammate.

The Ducks coach JoJo Atria, and teammate Brandon Gerardi found out their mother, Charlene Gerardi was diagnosed with breast cancer in March. The team decided to wear pink uniforms the entire season to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness.

"It has been pretty cool with the idea coming from the kids. We all talked about it before the season," Atria told Sun Sentinel.  "One of the parents brought the team pink socks to complete the uniform. It has been a team effort with the parents involved and I am very proud of the overall response. It shows support for my family and anyone else who is battling the disease."

The league and other teams have been very supportive and positive about the Ducks’ decision to wear pink.

A great act of sportsmanship will outshine a great play. Sportsmanship happens in any sport, at every level, and in any game.

These acts of sportsmanship on and off the field show the characteristics that are instilled in coaches, players, and fans.

RELATED: 15 life lessons from football that should not be overlooked

Did you witness an act of good sportsmanship that went above and beyond what you typically see at games? Click here  to share your story or video.