Jerry Overton


Jerry Lee Overton is an American former professional football player who was a Safety (American and [Canadian football position)|safety] for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football for the Utah Utes.

Early life

Overton attended Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, California, where he was an all-Avocado League selection in three sports: football, basketball, and track and field. He was the 1958 Avocado League player of the year in football and was the senior class president. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Utah.

College career

Overton played on the freshman team during his first year at 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. He was selected to play in the 1963 Senior Bowl.

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.

Personal life

In 1961, Overton married Diane Carol Chase, a Casper, Wyoming, native and fellow sophomore at the University of Utah.