Cowboys' Overshown Reflects on NFL Journey

The Dallas Cowboys selected former Texas Longhorns linebacker DeMarvion Overshown with the No. 90 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to add depth to the position. However, he expressed before training camp that he had greater goals in mind.

"I want to start on all special teams, No. 1," Overshown said. "As far as goals, I want to make an All-Rookie team. Getting those meaningful snaps on defense and helping us out."

Regardless of his lofty rookie goals, Overshown told KVUE on Monday that he's very happy with his NFL journey so far.

"When I say 'I'm blessed and I'm highly favored,' those are things you dream about saying as a kid," Overshown said. "I got a son, he gets to grow up and say, 'my dad was a Dallas Cowboy.' That's just something right there."

The 22-year-old started his journey in East Texas, one of the meccas of high school football. Overshown explained how difficult it is to earn a spotlight there, but he proved that it is possible.

"Any chance that East Texas guys get to get this opportunity, it's a blessing because I know a lot of kids that say 'man, we really don't get that much recognition,'" Overshown said. "But showing that I can do it and then giving back to the community to let them know that it's possible, there's not a better position I'd rather be in."

Overshown achieved his dream a little later than most NFL players as he played five seasons in college. However, the linebacker is coming off the best season of his college career - recording a career-high 96 tackles as well as 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.

Overshown acknowledged that it will be difficult to earn a starting spot in the Cowboys' talented linebacker room, but said he'll be ready when he gets the call.

"I've shown that I can dominate blitzing and dominate in coverage. I feel comfortable doing both and I can only get better at both," Overshown said.

Nevertheless, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy agrees with Overshown that a role on special teams is in the cards for the rookie linebacker.

“When you look at special teams, there’s a young man, he gets it. He’s made an impression right away in the offseason program,” McCarthy said. “When the special teams coaches, when we get into the personnel meetings and he’s one of the first guys you talk about, that’s what you’re looking for. And he’s done a really good job.”

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