CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - On his 22nd birthday - February 9th, 2025 - Cooper DeJean’s life changed forever.
He went from pick-sixes at Kinnick Stadium to a pick-six in front of millions at the Super Bowl.
DeJean’s Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX.
“It was a really cool moment. You grow up watching that game on TV as a kid with all your friends,” said DeJean. “It’s my first year in the NFL and that’s all I know now, so gotta go back to work and try to do it again.”
DeJean has become pretty recognizable in Philadelphia and across the country.
“It’s definitely something that I’m still trying to get used to,” said DeJean. “Things are a little different, but it’s okay, it comes with it.”
“Walking around is a little different now,” he said with a laugh.
He says the next level of fame hasn’t changed him.
“It’s a little different now, but still the same me,” said DeJean.
DeJean’s been spending time giving back this offseason, from his charity softball game in Des Moines benefitting the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, to an appearance at the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic, benefitting Kids on Course.
“That’s always something that I’ve taken a lot of pride in, trying to give back to the communities I’m in, whether it’s (in Cedar Rapids), Iowa City, (Odebolt) or Philadelphia,” said DeJean. “Just trying to give back as much as I can, and be able to interact with people.”
Soon it’ll be time for DeJean’s football season with the Eagles, but he’ll keep an eye on his Hawks back in Iowa City.
“I’m excited for all those young guys. T.J. (Hall), Deshaun (Lee), Koen (Entringer), X(avier Nwankpa), (Zach) Lutmer,” said DeJean, referring to Iowa’s defensive back room. “All those guys, they’re going to be primed and ready to go to make a big impact on the defense and on our team this year.”
DeJean’s Eagles open the regular season on Thursday, September 4th against the Dallas Cowboys.
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