{{Short description|American football player (born 1985)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Matt Overton | image = Matt Overton.JPG | caption = Overton with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016 | current_team = | number = | position = Long snapper | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|7|6|mf=y}} | birth_place = San Leandro, California, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 1 | weight_lbs = 254 | high_school = Tracy (Tracy, California) | college = {{ubl|Diablo Valley (2003–2004)|Western Washington (2005–2006)}} | undraftedyear = 2007 | pastteams = * Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2007}})* * Tri-Cities Fever ({{Af2 Year|2008}}) * Florida Tuskers ({{UFL Year|2009}}) * Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2010}})* * Omaha Nighthawks ({{UFL Year|2010}}–{{UFL Year|2011}}) * Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2012}}–{{NFL Year|2016}}) * Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2018}}) * Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2019}}) * Tennessee Titans ({{NFL Year|2020}}) * Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2021}}) * Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2022}})* * Dallas Cowboys (2022) * Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|2023}})* * Miami Dolphins ({{NFL Year|2024}}) | status = | highlights = * Pro Bowl (2013) | statweek = | statseason = 2024 | statlabel1 = Games played | statvalue1 = 142 | statlabel2 = Total tackles | statvalue2 = 26 | pfr = OverMa00 }}
'''Matthew Thomas Overton''' (born July 6, 1985) is an American professional football long snapper. He played college football at Western Washington after graduating from Diablo Valley College, and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) in 2007.
In between stints with the Seahawks, Overton played for the Tri-Cities Fever of the af2 in 2008 and the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League in 2009. After his release from the Seahawks in 2010, he rejoined the UFL but as a member of the Omaha Nighthawks. In 2010, he was named to the UFL's top-10 players list, earning him the recognition as the league's top long snapper. He later played for the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.
He made the Pro Bowl with the Colts in 2013.
==Early life== Overton attended Tracy High School in Tracy, California<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=Ethan |title=Matt Overton and his Tracy High Football Legacy |url=https://tracyhighscholarandathlete.com/12255/sports/matt-overton-and-his-tracy-high-football-legacy/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Scholar & Athlete}}</ref> where he was a two-way starter for four years for the Bulldogs football team. He earned Lineman of the Year, player of the month, athlete of the month awards, and 2002 SJAA honorable mention honors. Despite these accolades, Overton was not offered any scholarships coming out of high school and opted to attend Diablo Valley College, a junior college in Pleasant Hill, California.
==College career== Overton began his college football career at Diablo Valley College. In his time with DVC, Overton earned Special Teams MVP and Team Captain honors. He soon began to receive scholarship offers to 4-year institutions, and accepted an offer to attend Western Washington University. At Western Washington, he was a team captain and two-year starter at defensive end and long snapper. As the starting defensive end, he recorded over 40 tackles, 5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 7 pass break-ups.
==Professional career== ===Early career=== Overton played for the Tri-Cities Fever of the af2 in 2008. He played for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League in 2009 and helped them to an undefeated season and appeared in the first UFL championship. He was re-signed by the Seattle Seahawks on February 10, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seahawks bring back Matt Overton|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/29/seahawks-bring-back-matt-overton/|author=Rosenthal, Gregg|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=April 29, 2010}}</ref> After being released by the Seahawks during training camp, he signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL for his second season. Overton was named to the UFL top-10 players list in 2010. He was protected by the Nighthawks for the 2011 season.
===Indianapolis Colts=== [[File:OvertonVinatieri camp2015 1.jpg|thumb|right|Overton (left) and Adam Vinatieri (right) at the Colts training camp in 2015]] On April 3, 2012, Overton signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Used primarily as a long snapper, he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/matt-overton-headed-to-the-pro-bowl-12440566|title=Matt Overton Headed to the Pro Bowl|last=Bowen|first=Kevin|work=Colts.com|date=January 15, 2014|accessdate=January 15, 2014}}</ref> On March 3, 2015, Overton signed a four-year extension with the Colts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Colts-Matt-Overton-Agree-To-Contract-Extension/cf9795c2-2cef-444a-9f3e-a9648fa349db|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125222748/http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Colts-Matt-Overton-Agree-To-Contract-Extension/cf9795c2-2cef-444a-9f3e-a9648fa349db|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 25, 2017|title=Colts, Matt Overton Agree To Contract Extension|last=Bowen|first=Kevin|work=colts.com|date=March 3, 2015|accessdate=March 4, 2015}}</ref> The Colts released him on May 1, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=VanTryon|first1=Matthew|title=Colts release long snapper Matt Overton|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/05/01/colts-release-long-snapper-matt-overton/101148420/|website=indystar.com|publisher=Indystar|date=May 1, 2017|accessdate=May 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Indianapolis Colts Make Roster Moves|url=http://blogs.colts.com/2017/05/01/indianapolis-colts-make-roster-moves-183/|website=Blogs.Colts.com|date=May 1, 2017|accessdate=May 1, 2017|archive-date=May 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502230040/http://blogs.colts.com/2017/05/01/indianapolis-colts-make-roster-moves-183/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Jacksonville Jaguars=== Overton was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 3, 2017, after Carson Tinker suffered a torn ACL.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaguars Make Roster Moves|url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Jaguars-Make-Roster-Moves/8c9716e2-a526-4f34-b603-71f5c2395961|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806121340/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Jaguars-Make-Roster-Moves/8c9716e2-a526-4f34-b603-71f5c2395961|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 6, 2017|website=Jaguars.com|date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> On November 14, following the team's Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Overton was placed on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaguars sign long snapper Colin Holba to active roster|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-sign-long-snapper-colin-holba-to-active-roster-19767260|website=Jaguars.com|date=November 14, 2017}}</ref>
On October 11, 2018, Overton was re-signed by the Jaguars after Carson Tinker suffered another knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaguars Sign Long Snapper Matt Overton|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-sign-long-snapper-matt-overton|website=Jaguars.com|date=October 12, 2018}}</ref>
On March 7, 2019, Overton re-signed with the Jaguars.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaguars re-sign LS Overton|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-re-sign-ls-overton|author=Oehser, John|website=Jaguars.com|date=March 7, 2019}}</ref> He was released on September 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Roster moves: Jaguars make four waiver claims|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-moves-jaguars-make-four-waiver-claims|author=Oehser, John|website=Jaguars.com|date=September 1, 2019}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Chargers (first stint)=== On November 15, 2019, Overton was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers, but was released three days later.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chargers sign LS Matt Overton, place Cortez Broughton on NFI|url=https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2019/11/15/chargers-sign-matt-overton-place-cortez-broughton-on-nfl/|work=Chargers Wire|publisher=USA Today|date=November 15, 2019}}</ref>
===Tennessee Titans=== On October 12, 2020, Overton was signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Titans add LS Matt Overton to practice squad|url=https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/12/titans-add-ls-matt-overton-to-practice-squad/|work=Titans Wire|publisher=USA Today|date=October 12, 2020}}</ref> He was elevated to the active roster on November 7, November 12, and November 21 for the team's weeks 9, 10, and 11 games against the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens, and reverted to the practice squad after each game.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wyatt, Jim |title=Titans Make 12 Roster Moves Before Sunday's Game vs Bears |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-12-roster-moves-before-sunday-s-game-vs-bears |website=TennesseeTitans.com |date=November 7, 2020 |accessdate=December 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Bouda, Nate |title=Titans Promote P Trevor Daniel & LS Matt Overton |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/titans-promote-p-trevor-daniel-ls-matt-overton/ |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |date=November 12, 2020 |accessdate=December 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Wyatt, Jim |title=Titans Make Several Roster Moves Leading up to Sunday's Game vs Ravens |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-several-roster-moves-leading-up-to-sunday-s-game-vs-ravens |website=TennesseeTitans.com |date=November 21, 2020 |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref> On November 28, 2020, Overton was promoted to the active roster.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wyatt, Jim |title=Titans Activate Punter Brett Kern from Injured Reserve, While Also Activating LB David Long from Reserve/COVID-19 List |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-activate-punter-brett-kern-from-injured-reserve-while-also-activating-lb- |website=TennesseeTitans.com |date=November 28, 2020 |accessdate=January 7, 2021}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Chargers (second stint)=== On August 16, 2021, Overton signed with the Chargers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chargers Sign Matt Overton|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/matt-overton-long-snapper-signs|website=Chargers.com|date=August 16, 2021}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Rams=== On September 13, 2022, Overton signed with the practice squad of the Los Angeles Rams.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rams sign long snapper to practice squad, make 2 other roster moves|url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-roster-moves-week-2-practice-squad/|website=USAToday.com|date=September 13, 2022}}</ref> He was released on September 20.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=RamsNFL |number=1572317196004790275 |title=LA Rams Transactions: • Reserve/Injured T Tremayne Anchrum Jr., DB Troy Hill • Signed G Oday Aboushi to Active Roster • Signed to Practice Squad DE Zach VanValkenburg • Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad LS Matt Overton • Waived/Injury Settlement DB Daniel Isom}}</ref>
===Dallas Cowboys=== On October 4, 2022, Overton was signed by the Dallas Cowboys' to the practice squad, to compete with long snapper Tucker Addington.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Cowboys Will Handle Deep Snapper Position|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/how-cowboys-will-handle-deep-snapper-position|website=DallasCowboys.com|date=October 5, 2022}}</ref> On October 15, Overton was promoted to the active roster to replace Jake McQuaide, who was lost for the year with a torn left tricep.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-15 |title=Cowboys move 2 to IR, add RB to 54-man roster vs Eagles for Week 6 |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/gallery/cowboys-eagles-53-man-roster-week-6/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Cowboys Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015221021/https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/gallery/cowboys-eagles-53-man-roster-week-6/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He wasn't re-signed after the season.
===Chicago Bears=== On January 3, 2024, Overton was signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad after Patrick Scales was injured.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Jordan |title=Bears Bring in Former Pro Bowl Specialist for Roster Workout |url=https://heavy.com/sports/chicago-bears/matt-overton-workout-news-roster-moves/ |website=Heavy |access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref> He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season and thus became a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-sign-10-to-reserve-future-contracts-2024|website=ChicagoBears.com|title=Roster Moves: Bears sign 10 to reserve/future contracts |author=Mayer, Larry|date=January 8, 2024}}</ref>
===Miami Dolphins=== On October 19, 2024, Overton was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves|url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-make-roster-moves-10-19-24|website=MiamiDolphins.com|date=October 19, 2024}}</ref> On October 28, Overton started as long snapper in the game against the Arizona Cardinals. On November 5, Overton was released by the Dolphins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins Release Overton From Practice Squad |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-release-overton-from-practice-squad |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=MiamiDolphins.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
==NFL career statistics== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! Year !! Team !! Games |- ! 2012 !! IND | 16 |- ! 2013 !! IND | 16 |- ! 2014 !! IND | 16 |- ! 2015 !! IND |16 |- ! 2016 !! IND |16 |- ! 2017 !! JAX |9 |- ! 2018 !! JAX |11 |- ! 2020 !! TEN |9 |- ! 2021 !! LAC |17 |- ! 2022 !! DAL |13 |- ! 2024 !! MIA |3 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OverMa00.htm Career] ||142 |}
==Personal life== Overton is a Christian. He is married to Breanna Overton. They have two daughters together.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Claybourn |first1=Cole |title=Long snapper Matt Overton lives by 'stay ready' motto, joins Chargers and thanks God |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2021/08/18/matt-overton-stay-ready-signs-chargers/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=August 18, 2021 |access-date=8 October 2022}}</ref>
Overton runs his own youth charity foundation called Pros 2 Youth and owns and operates a small business with his former Nighthawks teammates Maurice Clarett and Chad Lucas called Led By Pros. Led By Pros is located in Omaha, Nebraska and offers a youth football academy and helps young athletes to succeed in life and in sport.
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons}} * [http://wwuvikings.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/overton_matt00.html Western Washington Vikings bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212406/http://wwuvikings.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/overton_matt00.html |date=July 8, 2011 }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Overton, Matt}} Category:1985 births Category:Living people Category:Players of American football from San Leandro, California Category:Sportspeople from Tracy, California Category:Players of American football from San Joaquin County, California Category:American football long snappers Category:American football defensive ends Category:American football linebackers Category:Businesspeople from Tracy, California Category:Western Washington Vikings football players Category:Seattle Seahawks players Category:Tri-Cities Fever players Category:Florida Tuskers players Category:Omaha Nighthawks players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players Category:Los Angeles Chargers players Category:Tennessee Titans players Category:Los Angeles Rams players Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:Chicago Bears players Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players Category:Tracy High School alumni Category:Miami Dolphins players