FRISCO, Texas — In mathematics, the number zero means absolutely nothing, literally speaking. But when it comes to the NFL and, more importantly, the Dallas Cowboys, the rules of mathematics are tied to cement blocks and sunk to the bottom of the ocean because, without question, the No. 0 has all the meaning in the world — just ask DeMarvion Overshown.
And that's why Overshown, a former third-round pick and superstar linebacker in the making, is changing his jersey number in 2025 to exactly that, the No. 0, making him the first in the history of the franchise to be awarded that honor.
"As soon as they changed the policy where you can now wear No. 0 in the NFL, I just knew it was meant to be," Overshown said in an exclusive Q&A. "Being the first one to wear it at Texas, growing up a Longhorn and a Cowboy in the great state of Texas — I wear it as a badge of honor. It's not too many people that get to say they're the first to do anything, and to say I'm the first wear No. 0 at Texas and the first to do it in Dallas Cowboys' history, that's a badge of honor."
The number was previously set to be worn by former safety Jayron Kearse in 2023, the first year it was made permissible by the NFL, but a change in plans had him wear the No. 1 instead, leaving the unanswered question of who would be the player to do it.
Overshown is the perfect candidate, for more reasons than one.
Lovingly referred to by all who followed his career as "Agent 0", also identifying as such on social media by that handle, it felt a foregone conclusion Overshown would be the player to get the nod, but it wasn't exactly promised until now.
There was at least one other high-profile player on the team, who shall remain nameless, originally vying for the No. 0 over Kearse and all comers; but he justifiably deferred to Overshown on the matter. There were also rumors amongst fans that Rowdy, the Cowboys' mascot who wears No. 00, was the reason for no one wearing the single zero, but that was never actually true.
Patience, after all, is a virtue.
"It's just like when Superman put on his cape, when I put that No. 0 on, it's really Agent 0 out there," said Overshown while wearing his telltale ear-to-ear grin.
After essentially redshirting his rookie season due to a torn ACL, Overshown stole the show in his second season, from emerging as a leader in the locker room to the best player on the field not named Micah Parsons, but a torn ACL in his other knee — due to a player being rolled into it during a live play — cut short a season that had both Pro Bowl and All-Pro potential.
It is undetermined at what point he'll be medically cleared to take the field in 2025, but it's fairly certain he eventually will and, when he does, look for the No. 0 to fly around the field, per usual.
The hell with what the math says, because zero actually matters now in Dallas.
