The path from small-town hero in Iowa to the newest rising star in the City of Brotherly Love has been nothing short of remarkable for Eagles Cornerback Cooper DeJean. As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for training camp, DeJean has wasted no time in making a name for himself among his veteran teammates.
Veteran cornerback Darius Slay had high praise for DeJean, describing him as “special” on Chris Long’s podcast “Green Light.” Slay reminisced about watching DeJean’s athletic prowess back in high school, where he saw him throwing down windmill dunks on the basketball court. With a nod to DeJean’s abilities, Slay remarked, “I saw him doing windmill dunks and all kinds of crazy stuff.”
But how did DeJean make it from Iowa to Philly? According to Slay, they had conversations four years prior to DeJean joining the Eagles. Slay expressed his excitement at seeing DeJean drafted to their team, highlighting the young cornerback’s journey to the NFL as nothing short of impressive.
Born in 2003 to Katie and Jason DeJean in Odebolt, Iowa, Cooper DeJean was raised with a natural talent for sports. Excelling in football, track, baseball, and basketball during his time at Ida Grove High School, DeJean’s versatility and athleticism caught the eye of recruiters at the University of Iowa.
Despite a quiet Freshman year at Iowa, DeJean made a splash in his Sophomore season with impressive stats as a cornerback. His knack for making plays on both sides of the ball earned him the title of Consensus All-American during his Junior season, showcasing his ability to excel in various positions on the field.
After declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft and impressing scouts at the combine, DeJean found himself as one of the top-ranked cornerbacks available. As the draft unfolded, DeJean’s stock fell, leading to a perfect opportunity for the Eagles to make a move. Trading up to the 40th overall pick in the second round, the Eagles secured DeJean as a key addition to their roster.
With all eyes on him, DeJean faces the challenge of proving himself at the professional level. Will his impressive college career translate to success in the NFL? As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, one thing is certain – Cooper DeJean’s journey from Iowa legend to potential cornerstone for the Eagles is a story worth watching unfold.
