DeMarvion Overshown, a former standout linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, keeping the Texas native close to home as he launched his professional career. After a promising college tenure, expectations were high for Overshown to make an immediate impact in the NFL. However, his journey has been marred by significant injury setbacks that have tested his resilience.
In his rookie season, Overshown suffered a devastating blow during the second preseason game, tearing his left ACL and ending his year before it could truly begin. After a grueling rehabilitation process, he made his NFL regular season debut in 2024, showcasing his potential by starting 12 of 13 games and racking up an impressive 90 total tackles. But in Week 14, tragedy struck again. Overshown sustained a catastrophic injury to his right knee, tearing his ACL, PCL, and MCL. This severe setback sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 season and is expected to keep him out for a significant portion of the upcoming one.
Despite the challenges, Overshown remains optimistic and disciplined in his recovery. Drawing on his experience from the 2023 ACL rehab, he is approaching this process with patience and determination. “I know it’s a process; it’s something we’re not rushing just because I look good,” Overshown said. “There’s no need to rush the process. I’m going to come back when I’m 100%, when I’m ready, when I know I can touch the field and not have to look down and worry about my knee.”
Currently, Overshown is progressing through rehabilitation, recently joining the Cowboys’ rehab group during organized team activities. He is reportedly in the “light jogging on grass” phase, a positive step in his recovery. Working closely with Britt Brown, the Cowboys’ associate athletic director and director of rehabilitation, Overshown is carefully building his strength. “If you ask me, I can do anything and everything. But Britt, he dials it down,” Overshown shared. “I started doing a little light jog this week, so that’s a plus. I’m shuffling, backpedaling, doing all the small things, the beginning of the stages, I’m building into it.”
Remarkably, Overshown is ahead of schedule in his recovery, offering hope to Cowboys fans eager to see their dynamic linebacker return to the field. When he does, he’ll don his familiar No. 0 jersey from his Longhorn days, playing under a new coaching staff. Following the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy, Dallas promoted Brian Schottenheimer to head coach and brought in former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator.
A realistic target for Overshown’s return is Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day. His mindset remains unwavering: “I’m just going to come up here, grind like I’m playing tomorrow. Best believe I’m working as if I’m suiting up tomorrow. … Whenever they unleash me, I’m going to be ready to go.” For Overshown, staying the course through this challenging recovery is key to reclaiming his spot as a rising star for the Cowboys.