If you didn’t know who Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean was before the Super Bowl yesterday, you do now. DeJean’s pick-six to break open the Super Bowl en route to a huge Eagles win over the Chiefs has made him a household name nationwide.
The former Iowa Hawkeye made plays all throughout his college career, as well. His playmaking ability dates back to his high school career, and even extends to basketball, as his high school highlight tape has gone viral.
Cooper DeJean was renowned for his playmaking ability at the University of Iowa both in the defensive backfield and as a dynamic returner. A knee injury in his senior season in 2023 caused him to fall down draft boards and out of the first round. Philadelphia was more than happy to snag him with the 40th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
DeJean came on strong after being eased into the lineup after recovering from the knee injury, and made his first start in Week 6. He became a huge part of the team’s fantastic defense as he worked his way into the lineup, and had the signature play of Super Bowl LIX yesterday. The game was on his birthday, only adding to the legend.
Cooper DeJean with some outstanding awareness to fall back into the throw and get the interception.
DeJean also hit a max speed of 21.31 MPH on this play. The fastest by a defensive player as a ball carrier this season (including playoffs), per @NextGenStats. pic.twitter.com/Huyntkjkyx
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) February 10, 2025
Obviously, DeJean was a freak athlete in high school. He was equally as good on the hardwood as he was on the gridiron, scoring over 1,800 points in his high school career. His highlights went viral on Monday and for good reason.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean had some crazy basketball highlights! The rookie turned 22 years old today @cdejean23 pic.twitter.com/ZwDm8miDFp
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) February 9, 2025
Cooper DeJean isn’t very big. He’s listed at just 6’0. But, he has some great leaping ability. It’s not a surprise that he’s quickly become one of the NFL’s better players.
He’s already a fan favorite in Philadelphia, and he seems like a big long-term piece for the Eagles.
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