Cooper DeJean capitalizes on his first career interception.

 

 

Published February 10, 2025 10:41 AM

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Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting—an impressive feat considering he didn’t record a regular-season interception.

But on the biggest stage, on his birthday, DeJean made his first career NFL pick.

He intercepted Patrick Mahomes and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, extending the Eagles’ lead to 17-0 with 7:03 left in the first half. Philadelphia never looked back, cruising to a 40-22 victory.

“I was just trying to find the fastest way to the end zone,” DeJean said via Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Luckily, I got some blocks. I had to avoid some of those big guys, but it was just our defense working together like we have all year. It fell right into my lap.”

The Eagles selected cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell (22nd overall) and DeJean (40th overall) in the draft, never expecting the latter to still be available late in the second round. Both rookies became key starters, helping transform the defense into the league’s top unit.

Philadelphia allowed just 18.3 points per game through the first three rounds of the playoffs. On Sunday, the Chiefs didn’t score until late in the third quarter.

“To do this with this group of guys—it’s incredible,” DeJean said. “From day one, they brought us rookies in and taught us everything. Now, we’re here on the biggest stage, holding the Lombardi Trophy. And to do it on my birthday, along with Saquon [Barkley’s]—it’s pretty crazy.”

A native of Odebolt, Iowa—a town of just 1,000 people with no stoplights—DeJean won a state championship at OABCIG High in 2020. He arrived at the Super Bowl wearing his high school letter jacket, a small-town kid living his biggest dream.

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid, watching this game growing up,” he said. “Now, it’s here. Now, I get to wear a big old ring on my finger and hold that trophy. It’s amazing.”