FRISCO, TEXAS — Cowboys second-year linebacker Demarvion Overshawn didn't have the rookie year he expected.
The hype surrounding Overshawn, who made an immediate impact on the field when he was drafted last April and will be a key cog in Dan Quinn's defense in 2023, was in the audience upon his arrival as well as the fan base. People felt it too. The preseason was shaping up to be the perfect fit for him to not only be the key cog he was promised to be, but also to start at the linebacker position.
It all came crashing down in the second preseason game against the Seahawks at Seattle's Lumen Field when he tried to make a tackle on the sideline when his left foot got caught in the turf, effectively That's when I tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my left knee. His rookie season was over before it even started.
On Tuesday afternoon, Overshawn, who is in the later stages of his recovery, attended a fan event at Academy Sports + Outdoors in North Frisco, where he was able to play games with fans in the backyard and sign autographs. Even though his first year in the NFL was marked by challenges, his smile was as big as it was when he first stepped into The Star 11 months ago.
“Seeing the faces of the kids and the people means so much to me because I knew how much it meant to me to take the time and be a part of an event like this,” Overshawn said. said. “Any time I have a chance to go out and be involved in the community, I'm always there for them. Some kids will remember that.”
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last week in Indianapolis that he expects Overshawn to be ready for training camp in July, along with Trevon Diggs, who is also recovering from a torn ACL. Recovery is progressing as planned.
“With six months to go, we're on track to stay on track,” Overshorn said. “Everything is going well. It's starting to move. We're ahead of the curve. It's just a process…This isn't what my rookie year was supposed to be about, but getting up and doing it every day. is” . ”
If there's any positive to take away from the torn ACL, it's that Overshawn isn't alone in his recovery. In addition to Diggs, who tore his ACL in late September, Overshawn was able to rehab along with fellow rookie tight end John Stevens Jr. and wide receiver David Darden.
“They all make my job so much easier,” he said. “Some days I find myself in a dark place, but when I get there, I laugh and open up to them and I see that they are going through the same process. I consider this a blessing in disguise. “It's going to make me a better football player, a better teammate, a better man, and all of those things.'' ”
All three rookies each tore their anterior cruciate ligaments within four days of each other, but developed a strong bond while their joints recovered. As they enter their sixth month of recovery, the way they attack the rehab process has allowed them to remain competitive off the field.
“You compete and make everything like a football game,” he said. “Who can do our jumps the best on the bench?” [press] Who posted better numbers today? By creating scenarios and competing with the players, we are happy to be able to get up there. ”
Obershawn was known for his work ethic and high motivation early in training camp last season, but now that an injury has put added strain on his shoulder, his determination for his first season on the field has decreased. It is increasing further.
“I'm hungry for more,” he said. “All of the excitement that was built in year one is still there. It's ready to be unleashed on people. The glimpses you felt last year, you should expect ten times that.” The damage is not going to heal.'' There are absolutely no excuses for everything leading up to the season. I think I'm ready to play, [fans] You should expect that. ”
Seeing a linebacker room that desperately needed his presence late in the 2023 season due to injuries and a lack of depth, Overshawn will take training camp to the second level of competition and improve himself. as well as the linebacker group around him.
“I'm going into that room to compete. It's not just me who wants the starter's job — because everyone does, of course — but it puts players in the linebacker room. “We’re going to bring them in,” he said. “We're all competing and that takes the linebacker room to a new level. I bring that competition. I'm a rookie coming in for a spot. It makes everyone want to play better.” That’s what I start to think.”
While the average athlete would typically expect some setbacks when coming back from an injury like a torn ACL, Overshawn is keen to see a big difference in his return once he's fully recovered. For him, unlocking more of what he can bring is a blessing in disguise.
“This is not a setback for my career,” Overshorn said. “We're just getting ready to have a season like we envisioned last year.”
