Philadelphia Eagles rookie Cooper DeJean celebrated his 22nd birthday by making history in Super Bowl LIX. DeJean intercepted a pass from Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and returned it for a touchdown, helping the Eagles secure a 17-0 lead and ultimately a 40-22 victory. This marked the first time a player scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl on their birthday. DeJean's performance has been a highlight of his rookie season, further endearing him to his hometown of Odebolt, Iowa, where residents celebrated his achievements.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean made history in Super Bowl LIX by becoming the first player to score a touchdown on their birthday in the big game. On his 22nd birthday, DeJean intercepted Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, contributing to the Eagles' 17-0 lead and eventual 40-22 victory. This remarkable feat has added to DeJean's impressive rookie season, highlighting his journey from a small town in Iowa to NFL prominence.
Cooper DeJean, a rookie cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, celebrated his 22nd birthday in a way no other NFL player has before. During Super Bowl LIX, DeJean intercepted a pass from Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. This play not only helped the Eagles establish a 17-0 lead but also marked DeJean as the first player in Super Bowl history to score a touchdown on their birthday. The interception was also DeJean's first in the NFL, making the moment even more special. His performance was a key factor in the Eagles' eventual 40-22 victory over the Chiefs, preventing them from achieving a historic Super Bowl three-peat [1] [2].
Cooper DeJean's rise to NFL prominence has had a significant impact on his hometown of Odebolt, Iowa. Known as the 'Popcorn Capital of the World,' Odebolt has rallied around DeJean, celebrating his achievements with a Super Bowl watch party dubbed the 'Cooper Bowl.' The town's residents, many wearing Eagles green T-shirts with DeJean's number 33, gathered to support their native son. DeJean's journey from playing in local stadiums carved out of cornfields to the NFL has been an inspiration to the community, highlighting his humble beginnings and strong work ethic. His father, Jason DeJean, expressed gratitude for the community's support, noting how the town's enthusiasm has brought renewed energy to the area [3].
Drafted as the 40th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Cooper DeJean quickly established himself as a standout player. Despite being selected in the second round, DeJean's performance exceeded expectations, earning him a finalist spot for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Known for his versatility, DeJean played across various positions including cornerback, safety, and return man. His regular-season stats included 51 tackles and six pass deflections, though he did not record an interception until his historic Super Bowl moment. Pro Football Focus rated him as the second-best cornerback in the league, only behind Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II. DeJean's contributions were pivotal to the Eagles' defensive success this season [1] [2].
Cooper DeJean's remarkable performance in Super Bowl LIX has cemented his status as a rising star in the NFL. His interception and touchdown on his 22nd birthday not only made history but also played a crucial role in the Eagles' victory. DeJean's journey from a small town in Iowa to the NFL is a testament to his talent and work ethic, inspiring his hometown and fans alike. As he continues to develop his career, DeJean's impact on and off the field will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
"The whole town is just ecstatic. It has definitely uplifted everybody around here." - Cory Duff