Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown apologized after drawing an unusual 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty during his team’s 27-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Overshown was inactive for the Week 9 game, but he ran onto the field to celebrate after Dallas linebacker Shemar James recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter. Because Overshown was not in uniform, officials penalized the Cowboys.
The linebacker said excitement got the better of him and confirmed that he spoke with head coach Brian Schottenheimer and apologized to him and his teammates.
“It was all excitement. At the end of the day, I talked to Schotty about it. I apologized about it,” Overshown said. “It was definitely in the moment.”
Overshown explained that he had encouraged the defense to celebrate more when it created turnovers. But he acknowledged that his own celebration came at a difficult point in a close game—and that the penalty could have had serious consequences.
“You can laugh at it now because we won, but in the moment, fourth quarter, tied ballgame or close ballgame, you don’t want a 15-yard penalty from a guy, especially that’s not even playing,” he said. “That’s a lesson learned.”
## Overshown says he did not realize he could be penalized
Overshown said he initially did not understand that stepping onto the field in street clothes could lead to a penalty. Teammate Dee Winters alerted him that he was not allowed to be on the field, but by then an official had already spotted him.
“That’s when I looked back and I had already seen the ref, he’s pointing at me,” Overshown recalled.
He accepted responsibility for the incident and said he would make sure it did not happen again.
“But I learned. It won’t happen again,” he said.
The penalty did not change Overshown’s feelings about celebrating his teammates’ accomplishments. He said he would remain passionate when Dallas players make big plays, while also taking steps to avoid a repeat of Sunday’s mistake.
“It’s not going to change how passionate I am about my teammates when they make plays,” he said.
Overshown also joked that, next time, he would be sure to wear his uniform and helmet before joining a celebration.
“In the future, I’ll have my helmet and my uniform (on), so it won’t be a flag.”
## Cowboys’ penalty total remains a concern
Dallas won the game 27-23, but Overshown’s penalty was part of a larger discipline problem. The Cowboys committed 14 penalties for 153 yards against Indianapolis, a substantial total in a game decided by four points.
The team’s overall penalty count adds context to Overshown’s apology. His individual mistake came during an important moment in the fourth quarter, but it was not the only penalty Dallas had to overcome. The Cowboys still managed to secure the victory, though the number of flags left room for concern.
Dallas entered the week with a 4-5 record and was preparing to face the 7-1 San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. As the Cowboys looked ahead to that matchup, Overshown’s comments made clear that he understood the cost of his actions. He had apologized, accepted the lesson and promised not to repeat the same mistake.
His explanation also showed the tension between celebrating a teammate’s big play and maintaining discipline during a close game. Overshown’s enthusiasm came from wanting to support the defense after a turnover, but he recognized that being inactive and out of uniform made his decision to enter the field inappropriate. With the Colts game decided by just four points, the 15-yard penalty was a reminder that celebrations can carry consequences when they cross the boundaries of the rules.
Overshown said he would continue to support his teammates with the same passion. The difference, he indicated, is that any future celebration will happen while he is properly dressed and eligible to be on the field.
