Jerry Overton


Jerry Lee Overton is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Utah.

Early years

Overton attended Mar Vista High School, where he practiced football and track. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Utah.
As a sophomore, he registered 10 receptions for 193 yards, a 19.3-yard average, 2 receiving touchdowns and 30 carries for 119 yards.
As a junior, he tallied 7 receptions for 80 yards, one receiving touchdown, 27 carries for 158 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. He ranked 18th in the nation in kickoff returns, with a 30-yard average.
As a senior, he was limited with injuries, posting 18 receptions for 190 yards, one receiving touchdown and 36 carries for 182 yards.

Professional career

Overton was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 15th round of the 1963 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he was tried at flanker, before being moved to safety. In 1964, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a broken leg he suffered in a skiing accident. He couldn't recover his previous form and was released on August 13, 1965.