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Jerry Overton
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Jerry Lee Overton (born January 24, 1941) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]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.[1][2] He was the 1958 Avocado League player of the year in football and was the senior class president.[3][4] He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Utah.[1]
College career
[edit]Overton played on the freshman team during his first year at Utah.[5] As a sophomore, he registered 10 receptions (second on the team) for 193 yards (third on the team), a 19.3-yard average (second on the team), 2 receiving touchdowns (tied for the team lead) and 30 carries for 119 yards.[6]
As a junior, he tallied 7 receptions (third on the team) for 80 yards (third on the team), one receiving touchdown, 27 carries for 158 yards (5.9-yard average) and 2 rushing touchdowns. He ranked 18th in the nation in kickoff returns, with a 30-yard average.[7]
As a senior, he was limited with injuries, posting 18 receptions for 190 yards, one receiving touchdown and 36 carries for 182 yards (5.1-yard average).[8] He was selected to play in the 1963 Senior Bowl.[9][10]
Professional career
[edit]Overton was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 15th round (202nd overall) 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 .[11] He couldn't recover his previous form and was released on August 13, 1965.[12]
Personal life
[edit]In 1961, Overton married Diane Carol Chase, a Casper, Wyoming, native and fellow sophomore at the University of Utah.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Vermeere, Mae (January 5, 1961). "News About Imperial Beach". The Star-News. p. 11. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Proctor, Vaughn (February 19, 1959). "Basketball Hangs On; Baseball, Track Begin". National City Star-News. p. 6. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Overton Named Avocado Grid Player of Year". The Star-News. December 11, 1958. p. 8. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Mr. Overton Claims Bride In Idaho". The Star-News. April 20, 1961. p. 17. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Coles, Bob (November 12, 1959). "Papooses Seek 8th Straight Against Y." p. 62. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "1960 Utah Utes Stats". Retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ^ "1961 Utah Utes Stats". Retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ^ "1962 Utah Utes Stats". Retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ^ "Overton to Play Pro Football". Imperial Beach Star-News. December 13, 1962. p. 3. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Senior Bowl Coaches Tell Starting Line-Ups; Jordan and Griffing Arrive". The Decatur Daily. January 3, 1963. p. 14. Retrieved October 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tubbs Selected Player-Coach". Retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ^ "Released by Pros". Retrieved February 16, 2019.