Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown’s rookie season ended before it began.
He tore the anterior cruciate in his left knee during a preseason game against the Seahawks and spent the year working with Britt Brown, the Cowboys’ rehabilitation specialist.
“It’s been goodthe recovery process and the rehabilitation process with Britt,” Overshown told Clarence Hill about the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Everything has been great. That’s why I’m very confident in how I’m going to play this year. The hard work we put in. Those were days when it was just us in the facility – me, the guys who tore the ACL, and Britt. We were there while everyone else was on vacation. This rehab, this recovery has definitely been something that I feel will add years to my career in the end. It really saved my career, that injury.”
The 2023 third-round pick entered the NFL as a 220-pounder. He’s heavier now, adding 12-13 pounds of lean mass and has a goal of opening the season at 233 or 234 pounds.
“I feel a lot more powerful. I’m a lot stronger. I feel like I’ve gotten faster,” Overshown said. “I feel and look like a linebacker now. I can finally stop answering the question: are you a safety or linebacker? to get there. People didn’t see me as big. They didn’t see the big DeeMo.
Overshown is playing weakside linebacker in the new defense under coordinator Mike Zimmer, with free agent signee Eric Kendricks in the middle and Damone Clark at strongside linebacker.
With the return of Overshown and the signing of Kendricks, linebacker is the only position the Cowboys have improved at this offseason.
“I feel like all of our linebackers can be All-Pros and Pro Bowlers,” Overshown said. “One thing I know is that running will not be a problem. Being around Zimmer, he loves coaching ball and we are constantly learning. One thing I really respect about the coach is that he teaches us the details of his defense. He will let you know what you are not doing right and will show you. I know our defense will be much better this year.”
