Who is Cooper DeJean?
Cooper DeJean is a professional American football player who currently plays as a cornerback and punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Born on February 9, 2003, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he is known for his exceptional athletic abilities, including his skills on both defense and special teams. DeJean rose to prominence during his college career at the University of Iowa, where he received multiple accolades, including unanimous All-American honors in 2023. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Education
Cooper DeJean was born on February 9, 2003, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to a family with a deep-rooted passion for sports. Growing up, he showed an interest in a variety of sports, but football stood out as his true calling. DeJean attended Roosevelt High School, where his athletic abilities became apparent early on. He was a star player, excelling in football and earning recognition for his talent on both offense and defense. His impressive high school performances helped set the stage for a successful college career.
After graduating from Roosevelt High, Cooper DeJean moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa. He joined the Iowa Hawkeyes football team in 2021, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most promising young athletes in the program. DeJean played in multiple positions but primarily starred as a cornerback and punt returner. He spent three seasons at Iowa, from 2021 to 2023, earning All-American honors and becoming one of the top players in college football. During his college career, DeJean’s dedication to improving his skills, along with his strong work ethic, helped him stand out among his peers and catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Personal Life
Cooper DeJean is known for being private about his personal life. While he has shared glimpses of his personality through his social media accounts, he maintains a focus on his football career. Outside of football, DeJean enjoys spending time with his family, working on personal development, and engaging in various community activities. His down-to-earth nature and commitment to staying grounded despite his rising fame have earned him the respect of both his teammates and fans.
Cooper is also known for his close connection to his community in Sioux Falls. He is a strong supporter of local youth sports initiatives and often returns to his hometown during the offseason to mentor young athletes. He has frequently spoken about the influence of his parents and coaches in shaping his character, emphasizing how their support has been instrumental in his journey to the NFL.
Family
Cooper DeJean comes from a close-knit family that has always supported his athletic ambitions. Though his parents’ names have not been widely publicized, they have been his biggest supporters since childhood. His father, a former athlete, instilled in him a love for sports, while his mother played an equally important role in encouraging his academic pursuits. Growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Cooper was surrounded by family members who placed great emphasis on discipline, hard work, and commitment—values that DeJean continues to carry with him into his professional career.
His family has always been there for him, attending his games and offering advice both on and off the field. Cooper has mentioned in interviews that his family has been his foundation, providing the encouragement and motivation he needs to push through challenges. Their influence and support remain a constant throughout his career, from his high school days to his rise to prominence at Iowa and now in the NFL.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cooper DeJean |
| Born | February 9, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 198 lb (90 kg) |
| Position | Cornerback, Punt Returner |
| College | Iowa (2021–2023) |
| NFL Draft | 2024, Round 2, Pick 40 |
| Team | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Notable Achievements | Unanimous All-American (2023), Super Bowl Champion (LIX), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2022, 2023) |
| Parents’ Names | Not specified publicly |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $2 million |
Career
Cooper DeJean’s career took off during his time at the University of Iowa, where he played for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team. DeJean joined the team in 2021 as a freshman and quickly made an impact. Despite his relatively young age, he showed tremendous promise, excelling as a cornerback. His skills in reading plays, agility, and ball-hawking abilities set him apart from many of his peers. Over the next two seasons, he became one of the most highly regarded defensive players in the Big Ten Conference.
In 2022, Cooper DeJean’s standout performances earned him a spot on the First-Team All-Big Ten roster. His versatility allowed him to not only play as a cornerback but also as a punt returner, where he displayed his speed and knack for making big plays. By 2023, DeJean had solidified his place as one of the top players in college football, earning unanimous All-American honors. His stellar performance in college made him a top prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.
DeJean’s decision to enter the draft was a pivotal moment in his career. He declared for the draft after his third season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, and in April 2024, he was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles recognized his potential and versatility, which would complement their defense and special teams units. DeJean’s transition to the NFL was smooth, as he quickly adapted to the pace and intensity of professional football.
In his rookie season with the Eagles, Cooper DeJean made an immediate impact. He was known for his excellent coverage skills, ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, and his skill in returning punts, which added a dynamic element to the Eagles’ special teams. DeJean played a crucial role in the Eagles’ defense, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. He was also a significant contributor to the team’s special teams units, returning punts and creating explosive plays.
DeJean’s strong showing in his rookie season was capped off with a Super Bowl LIX victory, where the Eagles triumphed in a thrilling match, further solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s rising stars. As he continues to grow and develop his skills, many experts predict a bright future for Cooper DeJean in the league.
Throughout his career, DeJean has been noted for his work ethic, humility, and commitment to constant improvement. His focus on both physical and mental conditioning has allowed him to excel at the highest levels of the game. As he looks toward the future, Cooper DeJean’s journey is far from over. With his natural talent and dedication, it is likely that we will see him continue to rise in prominence within the NFL.
Overall, Cooper DeJean’s career is marked by his relentless drive to succeed, his ability to adapt to different positions, and his leadership both on and off the field. As one of the NFL’s most promising young players, he is well on his way to becoming a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles and a household name in the sport of football.
| Year | Team | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Iowa Hawkeyes | Cornerback, Punt Returner | Freshman year at Iowa, showcasing strong defensive skills and returning punts. |
| 2022 | Iowa Hawkeyes | Cornerback, Punt Returner | First-Team All-Big Ten, key contributor in Iowa’s defense. |
| 2023 | Iowa Hawkeyes | Cornerback, Punt Returner | Unanimous All-American, led team in interceptions, and continued strong special teams play. |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | Cornerback, Punt Returner | Selected in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft; made immediate impact as a rookie. |
| 2025 (current) | Philadelphia Eagles | Cornerback, Punt Returner | Key contributor in Super Bowl LIX victory, scoring a touchdown with an interception |
Latest News (Trending)
As of February 10, 2025, Cooper DeJean has made history in Super Bowl LIX by becoming the first NFL player to score a touchdown on his birthday in a Super Bowl. On his 22nd birthday, DeJean intercepted a pass from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, contributing to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 victory.
This remarkable play not only secured the Eagles’ second Vince Lombardi Trophy but also marked DeJean’s first career interception, highlighting his exceptional talent and poise under pressure. His performance in the championship game has solidified his reputation as a rising star in the NFL.
DeJean’s achievement was particularly poignant for Caitlin Clark, a known Chiefs fan and WNBA Rookie of the Year, who expressed mixed emotions over the game.
Reflecting on his diverse high school sports background, DeJean discussed the advantages of his multi-sport experience in contributing to his development as an NFL player. Despite early career challenges, DeJean expressed excitement and satisfaction with his and his team’s progress and success.
This historic moment underscores DeJean’s potential and sets the stage for a promising future in professional football.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username/Link |
|---|---|
| @cooperdejean | |
| @cooperdejean | |
| Not available |
Height & Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 0 inches and weighing 198 pounds, Cooper DeJean has the ideal physical build for a cornerback in the NFL. His athleticism and speed, which are key for both his defensive and special teams roles, make him a formidable player on the field. DeJean’s strong, muscular frame complements his agility, enabling him to make plays all over the field.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Cooper DeJean’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. This is primarily due to his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, endorsement deals, and other business ventures. His earnings are expected to grow as his career progresses, especially considering his rising prominence in the NFL.
FAQs
Is Cooper DeJean good?
Yes, Cooper DeJean is highly regarded as a talented and versatile player, earning All-American honors and making an impact in the NFL.
How fast is Cooper DeJean?
Cooper DeJean has impressive speed, clocking a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, which is ideal for his position as a cornerback and punt returner.
Does Cooper DeJean play in the NFL?
Yes, Cooper DeJean plays for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL as a cornerback and punt returner.
Is Cooper DeJean a safety or cornerback?
Cooper DeJean primarily plays as a cornerback but has also contributed on special teams as a punt returner.
