The NFL has always been a league of evolving rules. They have constantly tweaked their traditions to adapt to the modern game. Over the years, these changes have reshaped football as we know it. Remember when the league brought back two-point conversions in 1994 to spice up the scoring strategies? Or how about the recent overhaul of overtime rules in 2025?And the league’s expansion of replay assist to review penalties like facemask grabs and horse-collar tackles, making officiating sharper than ever? But let’s not forget one of the most significant reintroductions of jersey No. 0 in 2023, opening the door for players to claim it as a badge of individuality. Now, a similar tradition has just been broken – this time by the Cowboys.
For over 65 years, no Dallas Cowboys player had ever worn the No. 0 jersey. It wasn’t an official rule, but a tradition that symbolizes the team’s identity. This tradition has just changed, folks. Jerry Jones – owner of the Dallas Cowboys – has finally allowed LB DeMarvion Overshown to wear No. 0, becoming the first player in Dallas franchise history to do so. Overshown’s connection with this number runs deep. During his college days in Texas, he embraced the number and earned the nickname “Agent Zero”.
When he joined the Cowboys in 2023, Overshown didn’t just ask for his favorite number, he fought for it. After tearing his ACL as a rookie, he returned stronger. 2024 was his breakout season, recording 90 tackles and proving he was a cornerstone of the Cowboys. Even another knee injury late in 2024 couldn’t stop the star from shining. And now, he has the No. 0. In an X post by Overshown, he shared a video of his family seeing the new jerseys being made and posing while wearing his new (old college) number. He proudly captioned the post, “Back On The Case!”
Back On The Case https://t.co/uaufWD3cNf
— DeMarvion Overshown (@AGENT0__) April 9, 2025
Micah Parsons celebrated this historic milestone by sharing an Instagram story of Overshown’s announcement with the caption “Now we can jersey swap”. Parsons hyped up his teammate while reminding fans of his own journey with the jersey number. Before Overshown claimed the No. 0, Micah Parsons had his sights set on it. When the NFL announced in 2023 that players could wear 0 for the first time since 1973, Parsons immediately tweeted: “I’m switching!! Agent 0 coming soon!”. The nickname was a nod to former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and Parsons’ desire to make a bold statement.
However, things didn’t go as planned for Parsons. Safety Jayron Kearse beat him to the punch, claiming the No. 0 before Parsons could finalise his switch. Fans were excited about Kearse’s decision, but many couldn’t help but imagine how intimidating Parsons would have looked as “Agent Zero” on the gridiron. Ultimately, Parsons decided to stick with his signature No. 11. This was also his college number from Penn State, and he embraced it as part of his identity. But now with Overshown claiming the number, perhaps Micah has other plans in mind, such as swapping their jerseys for a game or two?
Overshown’s zero – more than just a number
Initially, Jerry Jones resisted Overshown’s request to wear No. 0, saying the number belongs to Rowdy – the Cowboys mascot. But Overshown’s determination and standout performances ultimately changed Jerry’s mind. By granting him No. 0, Jerry not only broke tradition but also acknowledged Overshown’s impact on the team. Jerry acknowledges that traditions evolve when players prove they deserve their place in history.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 25: DeMarvion Overshown #0 of the Texas Longhorns reacts in the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Speaking of history, the No. 0 jersey has an intriguing place in football. Back in the early days of professional football, legends like Johnny Clement and Jim Otto wore zero before NFL rules banned its use for decades. When the league reintroduced it in 2023, Micah Parsons was one of many players who jumped at the chance to reclaim its unique appeal.
The No. 0 jersey isn’t just about breaking tradition. With this number, Overshown joins a growing list of players who have embraced 0 as part of their identity. Jacksonville Jaguars’ WR Calvin Ridley chose it as a nod to his middle name, “Orin,”. New York Giants’ LB Bobby Okereke views it as a badge of resilience. Ravens’ LB Roquan Smith sees it as a fresh start with Baltimore after being traded from Chicago. For Overshown, reclaiming No. 0 is about honoring his college legacy while carving out his own path in Dallas.
Overshown has summed it up best himself, “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 to wear No. 0 at Texas and the first to do it in Dallas Cowboys’ history, that’s a badge of honor.” With the No. 0 now on his back, Overshown isn’t just making history, he’s inspiring others to do the same. And Micah Parsons’ celebration of Overshown’s milestone tells us how tight-knit this defense is heading into the new season. With these two leading the charge, Cowboys fans have plenty to be excited about as Dallas embraces change, and yet stays true to its legacy.
What do you think? Will breaking the tradition pay off for Overshown?
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