Cooper DeJean, born February 9, 2003, is an American professional football cornerback and punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
He played college football at Iowa, where he earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023 and was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
DeJean, known for his versatility and strong defensive skills, had a standout college career, including multiple accolades such as Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
He grew up in Odebolt, Iowa, excelling in multiple sports during high school.
Parents
Cooper’s parents are Jason and Katie DeJean.
Jason is an assistant football coach and president of Swanson Insurance & Real Estate, while Katie, a former All-American basketball player, works as an accountant at the same firm.
Both have strong athletic backgrounds, having played college sports, and they encouraged Cooper to explore various athletic pursuits rather than specialize in one sport.
Their support has been instrumental in shaping his successful athletic career.
Career
DeJean began his college career at the University of Iowa in 2021, where he initially contributed primarily on special teams.
Despite being a freshman, he demonstrated promise as a defensive back, laying the groundwork for his future success.
By his sophomore season in 2022, DeJean had earned a starting position and became a key player for the Hawkeyes.
He showcased exceptional skills in coverage and tackling, finishing the season with impressive statistics that included multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
In 2023, DeJean had a standout junior year that solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive backs in college football.
He recorded over 60 tackles, demonstrating his ability to stop plays and support the run defense.
His performance included seven interceptions, ranking among the best in the nation, and he scored three defensive touchdowns, showcasing his knack for turning turnovers into points.
His exceptional performance earned him unanimous All-American honors, recognizing him as one of the elite players in college football.
Following his successful college career, DeJean was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
This selection reflected his high potential and versatility as both a cornerback and punt returner.
In his rookie season with the Eagles, DeJean quickly made an impact on the field.
He showcased his skills in coverage and tackling, earning a spot in the starting lineup and adapting impressively to the speed of the NFL.
As a punt returner, he utilized his agility and speed to provide valuable field position for his team.
Notably, during his rookie season, he forced a critical fumble against the Washington Commanders, highlighting his playmaking ability and defensive instincts.
Looking ahead, DeJean’s combination of size, speed, and football intelligence positions him as a rising star in the NFL.