DES MOINES, Iowa (KTIV) - Some of the biggest names in football were in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sunday, June 1, and it was all for a good cause.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean hosted a star-studded charity softball game. The former University of Iowa player was simply giving back to the community that supported him.
Cooper DeJean holds celebrity softball game benefitting UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Cooper DeJean holds celebrity softball game benefitting UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital
In the prelude to the celebrity softball game, there was a celebrity home run derby. Once that was complete, Principal Park turned into Kinnick West as fans of all ages stood up to do the wave. A warm welcome for Cooper Dejean.
From Iowa high school star athlete, to star athlete at the University of Iowa, to Super Bowl champion and with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Odebolt native was in his home state to give back.
“It’s where I grew up. A place that means a lot to me,” said DeJean.
Cooper DeJean at charity game in Des Moines, Iowa
Cooper DeJean at charity game in Des Moines, Iowa
Football players with Iowa ties and pro football players from around the country came to Principal Park Sunday afternoon to help Cooper DeJean support the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
“Obviously, the children’s hospital plays a big part of the program at the University of Iowa, so that place means a lot to me, having played there,” said DeJean. “So being able to put this on and being able to give back to that cause is really special to me.”
DeJean asked, and the players showed up to play in the charity softball game.
“It means the world to me. They come all the way out here to Iowa to play in a softball game for a great cause,” said DeJean.
Some of the players that came to Des Moines for the game was Riley Moss, and Ankeny, Iowa native, former Hawkeye and current Denver Bronco.
“We’re good buddies. We keep in touch, so really happy with everything that he’s been doing, especially with this type of stuff with the children’s hospital and stuff like that,” said Moss.
And DeJean’s teammates on the Eagles were able to come out and support the cause.
“I play football for the brotherhood, you know, the relationship part and the guys and the camaraderie, so, it’s what I enjoy, you know being boys. I’m pretty sure he would do it for me,” said Trevor Keegan, a guard for the Philadelphia Eagles and DeJean’s teammate.
Even former Philadelphia teammate Daruis Slay Jr., now a Pittsburgh Steeler, showed up because DeJean asked.
“He’s like a little brother to me man, so anything he is doing I want to support and be there for him,” said Slay.
Some 9,000 fans watched the players on the diamond. They were all showing their support for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
After the game, DeJean’s signed custom cleats sold for $5,700in a live auction. The proceeds went to the University of Iowa Health Care.
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