If there are two things the Dallas Cowboys are always mindful about, it’s their rules and their traditions. From Jerry Jones’ annual bus ritual at every NFL Scouting Combine, to their Thanksgiving shenanigans, very seldom have we seen a change. However, come 2025, things have vastly looked different. First, there was the Cowboys owner shying away from meeting reporters in his bus for the first time in three and a half decades. While Jones put out a carefully crafted statement indicating his busy schedule, it was a move that left the community confused and irked. And now, barely a month later, the team seems to have taken another leap toward debuting a new mandate.

The front office seems to be moving toward a step that has left one player absolutely flabbergasted. On April 8, the team put out a statement announcing that the iconic Jersey 0 honor would be bestowed for the first time in franchise history. The lucky recipient? Agent Zero aka DeMarvion Overshown. Taking to social media, the team even put out an exciting video showing the jersey being printed.

Talking about the move, the linebacker said, “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…It’s just like when Superman put on his cape, when I put that No. 0 on, it’s really Agent 0 out there.”

Well, when the 24-year-old 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!” And let’s just say, teammate and fellow linebacker Micah Parsons was one step ahead…

The Penn State alum celebrated this historic milestone by sharing an Instagram story of Overshown’s announcement and even made an ambitious (read: desperate) request. “Now we can jersey swap,” he wrote. Notably, 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 finalize his switch. Fans were excited about Kearse’s decision (though it didn’t materialize in the end), but many couldn’t help but imagine how intimidating Parsons would have looked as “Agent Zero” on the gridiron. Ultimately, the LB 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 is more than just a number

If reports are to be believed, Jerry Jones resisted Overshown’s request to wear No. 0, saying the number belongs to Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot who wears No.00. But Overshown’s determination and standout performances ultimately changed Jerry’s mind. By granting him the hallowed number, Jones not only broke tradition but also acknowledged Overshown’s impact on the team. Looks like the team owner acknowledges that traditions evolve when players prove they deserve their place in history.

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.

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.

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)

What do you think? Will breaking tradition pay off for Overshown?