Jon Bon Jovi made an on-stage gesture to honour a high school football player who died on the playing field in New Jersey.

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

“I heard word about Evan and as a father and as a father of football players, my heart, my prayers and my thoughts go out to the Murray family,” Bon Jovi said in the video posted to YouTube.

“To all the team, I wish you the best this season and keep it up guys, all right? Win one for Evan.”

Authorities said Murray, who played for Warren Hills Regional High School in Washington Township, died from massive internal bleeding caused by a lacerated spleen last week.

The funeral for the popular three-sport star and honours student was held on October 1.

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