History of Cooper DeJean in Timeline
Cooper DeJean is an American football cornerback and punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Iowa, where he earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023. The Eagles drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
February 9, 2003: Birth of Cooper DeJean
Cooper DeJean was born on February 9, 2003. He would go on to become an American professional football cornerback and punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL.
2021: Freshman Year at Iowa
Cooper DeJean began his college football career in 2021 as a true freshman at the University of Iowa, playing in seven games primarily on special teams and recording four tackles.
2021: High School Success and All-American Bowl adidas Player of the Year
In 2021, Cooper DeJean demonstrated exceptional football skills during his high school years at OA-BCIG in Iowa. He excelled both as a quarterback and defensive back, setting numerous school records. DeJean was named the All-American Bowl adidas Player of the Year. In the state title game, he made several impactful plays that contributed to his team's victory over Van Meter.
2022: Sophomore Year and Music City Bowl MVP
In 2022, Cooper DeJean became a starting player for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He played multiple positions, including cornerback and punt returner. His performance against Wisconsin included a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown. DeJean was named the MVP of the 2022 Music City Bowl after his outstanding performance, which included a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown.
2023: 2023 Season and All-American Honors
During the 2023 season, Cooper DeJean was a key player for the Iowa Hawkeyes despite their offensive struggles. He registered three interceptions and was essential in the return game, including a game-winning 70-yard return. DeJean was named a unanimous consensus All-American and received the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year awards. A controversial disallowed return and a leg injury in mid-November marked significant events during the season.
2024: Declared for 2024 NFL Draft
Cooper DeJean declared for the 2024 NFL draft following the 2023 season. Iowa's defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, Phil Parker, praised DeJean's abilities by comparing him to legendary player Nile Kinnick.
2024: First Career Start with Philadelphia Eagles
Cooper DeJean made his first career start in the NFL in Week 6 of the 2024 season against the Cleveland Browns, playing as a nickel corner for the Philadelphia Eagles.
2024: Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft
In 2024, Cooper DeJean was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 40th overall pick in the NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional football career.