From Small-Town Star to National Standout
Raised in the farming town of Odebolt, Iowa, Cooper DeJean turned heads early as a multi-sport phenom in high school. As a quarterback and defensive back, he shattered numerous school records and led his team to back-to-back state championships. His senior season ended in legendary fashion—scoring the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the state title game after his younger brother, Beckett, recovered a fumble.
In addition to football, Cooper excelled in basketball, baseball, and track. He won state championships in the long jump and 100-meter dash, and his 1,832 career points in basketball ranked just behind NFL star T.J. Hockenson on Iowa’s all-time high school scoring list.
Despite his athletic dominance, Cooper didn’t receive many collegiate offers out of high school. He ultimately chose to play defense at the University of Iowa, where he quickly became a star.
Iowa Hawkeyes Legend
At Iowa, Cooper emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. His breakout sophomore season saw him record 75 tackles, five interceptions, and a school-record three pick-sixes, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors. By his junior year, he was known as one of the best defensive backs in college football.
In 2023, he earned unanimous All-American honors, Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s top DB) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s best defender). He also made a major impact on special teams, averaging 13.1 yards per punt return, including a game-winning 70-yard return against Michigan State.
A mid-season injury cut Cooper’s junior campaign short, but his legacy was already cemented, and he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft as a highly touted prospect.
Philadelphia Eagles & NFL Impact
Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Cooper wasted no time proving himself at the pro level. In his rookie season, he appeared in 16 games (nine starts), recording 50 tackles, six pass deflections, and three fumble recoveries.
His defining moment came in Super Bowl LIX when he intercepted Patrick Mahomes and returned it for a touchdown—becoming the first Eagles player to record an interception and the first to record a pick-six in a Super Bowl. The play helped lift Philadelphia to a 40-22 victory, making Cooper a champion in his first season. Cooper will be a mainstay on the Eagles’ defense for years to come, and we are excited to see what he continues to accomplish.
Giving Back
Cooper’s impact extends beyond football. Throughout his time at Iowa, he deeply involved himself in community service, volunteering at Special Olympics events, Safe Haven of Iowa County, CommUnity Crisis Services, and other organizations. His leadership off the field earned him a semifinalist nomination for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded to student-athletes who excel in character and community involvement. Now in the NFL, Cooper continues to give back, using his platform to support youth initiatives and inspire the next generation.