Cooper DeJean has quickly developed from an outstanding Iowa defensive back into one of the NFL’s most highly regarded young defenders. After entering the league with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, he made an immediate impact as a versatile defensive back and special-teams contributor. By his second NFL season, he had established himself as a premier slot corner and earned first-team All-Pro recognition.
As of the 2026 season, DeJean remains with Philadelphia and enters his third professional season with an impressive résumé already behind him. He has appeared in the NFL Top 100 twice, including a No. 38 ranking in 2026, and has become an important part of an Eagles secondary built around young, high-level defensive talent.
Who Is Cooper DeJean? A Short Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cooper DeJean |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 2003 |
| Age | 23 years old in 2026 |
| Birthplace | Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional football player |
| Years Active | 2021–present |
| Education | University of Iowa |
| Famous For | Philadelphia Eagles defensive back; first-team All-Pro |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Father | Jason DeJean |
| Mother | Katie DeJean |
| College | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| NFL Team | Philadelphia Eagles |
| NFL Draft | 2024, Round 2, No. 40 overall |
| Position | Defensive back / cornerback |
The biographical details above are supported by Iowa’s official player profile and Philadelphia’s official draft and roster information.
Cooper DeJean’s Early Life and College Career
Growing Up in Iowa
Although DeJean was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, his football identity became closely connected with Iowa. He attended OABCIG High School in Ida Grove, Iowa, where he established himself as an unusually versatile athlete.
DeJean was not simply a defensive prospect. He played quarterback and defensive back while also competing in baseball, basketball and track. His high-school résumé included multiple state championships, and he won Iowa Class 2A state titles in both the 100-meter dash and long jump as a senior.
His athletic background helps explain why versatility has remained one of the defining characteristics of his football career. The speed required for track, the vision developed as a quarterback and the instincts required at defensive back all became useful parts of his skill set.
Breakout With the Iowa Hawkeyes
DeJean joined the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2021 and gradually developed into one of the most disruptive defensive backs in college football. He appeared in seven games as a freshman before taking a much larger role during his sophomore season.
In 2022, he started all 13 games, recording 75 tackles, five interceptions and eight passes defended. He also became a major return threat, including three interception-return touchdowns during the season. His performance earned him Music City Bowl MVP honors.
His junior season elevated his national profile even further. In 2023, DeJean was named a unanimous consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. He was also recognized as the conference’s Return Specialist of the Year and was a finalist for major national defensive awards.
A Season-Ending Injury
DeJean’s 2023 campaign ended prematurely after he suffered a broken fibula in November. He finished that season with 41 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups in 10 games.
The injury did not prevent NFL teams from viewing him as a valuable prospect. His combination of defensive instincts, physicality, return ability and versatility remained attractive, particularly for teams looking for a defensive back capable of filling several roles.
Cooper DeJean’s NFL Journey With the Eagles
Drafted No. 40 Overall in 2024
The Philadelphia Eagles traded up in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select DeJean with the 40th overall pick. The move reflected Philadelphia’s belief that his versatility could translate particularly well to the NFL.
The Eagles’ draft evaluation highlighted his ball skills, competitiveness, instincts and potential value as a zone defender, safety or slot player. His ability to contribute on special teams also made him especially attractive as a rookie.
DeJean signed his four-year rookie contract with Philadelphia in May 2024. His rookie deal runs through the 2027 season. Spotrac lists the contract at $9,283,622 over four years.
Rookie Season and Super Bowl Impact
DeJean played all 16 regular-season games for Philadelphia in 2024, starting nine. He finished the regular season with 51 combined tackles, six passes defended, half a sack and a forced fumble according to NFL statistics.
His rookie year became even more memorable because Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX. DeJean made one of the game’s signature defensive plays, returning an interception 38 yards for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles’ official biography notes that he became the youngest player in NFL history to record an interception return touchdown in a Super Bowl, at age 22.
That moment helped establish DeJean as more than an ordinary rookie contributor. He had already demonstrated that his instincts and athleticism could influence important games on the biggest stage.
A Breakout 2025 Season
The biggest jump in DeJean’s professional career came during his second NFL season. In 2025, he started all 16 regular-season games and recorded 85 tackles, 16 passes defended and two interceptions, along with a forced fumble.
NFL’s official statistical database records 93 combined tackles, 63 solo tackles, 16 passes defended and two interceptions for the season, reflecting the site’s treatment of assisted tackles. His two interceptions totaled 32 return yards, with his longest return going for 21 yards.
The season earned DeJean his first Pro Bowl selection and first-team Associated Press All-Pro honors. He was specifically recognized as the first-team slot cornerback, an indication of how strongly his play had developed in the nickel role.
What Makes Cooper DeJean Such a Valuable Defender?
Versatility Across the Secondary
One of DeJean’s defining traits is his ability to perform different jobs in the defensive backfield. Rather than being limited to one traditional cornerback role, he has the athletic profile and football instincts to operate from the slot and contribute in different coverage concepts.
That versatility was already visible at Iowa, where he combined defensive responsibilities with punt-return duties. Philadelphia’s evaluation before the draft emphasized his potential as a zone corner and interchangeable safety while also identifying his value as a punt returner and special-teams player.
Ball Skills and Defensive Instincts
DeJean’s ball production has been a consistent feature of his career. At Iowa, he produced multiple interception-return touchdowns, while his NFL career quickly added more impact plays.
His ability to diagnose plays and attack the football is particularly valuable from the slot. In 2025, he recorded 16 passes defended and two interceptions, contributing to an Eagles secondary that became one of the team’s defining strengths.
Athleticism and Special Teams Value
DeJean’s athletic background gives him another advantage. His track accomplishments in high school demonstrate the speed and explosiveness that have accompanied his football development.
He also entered the NFL with legitimate return experience. During his rookie season, he returned 21 punts for 211 yards, averaging 10 yards per return and recording a long return of 31 yards.
That combination of defensive ability and special-teams experience makes him a particularly useful roster piece. It also reflects why Philadelphia was willing to trade up to secure him in the 2024 draft.
Cooper DeJean’s NFL Stats and Achievements
Career NFL Statistics
Through the 2025 regular season, DeJean had appeared in 32 games and started 25. NFL’s career statistics list 144 combined tackles, 22 passes defended, two interceptions and 0.5 sacks. He also has three opponent fumble recoveries listed across his first two seasons.
His statistical growth from his first season to his second is especially notable. In 2024, he made nine starts; in 2025, he started every regular-season game. That progression coincided with his emergence as an established starting defensive back rather than a developing rotational player.
First-Team All-Pro Recognition
DeJean’s 2025 season ended with one of the most significant individual honors available to an NFL player: first-team Associated Press All-Pro selection.
He and fellow Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell made history by becoming the first Eagles cornerbacks to receive first-team All-Pro honors since Lito Sheppard in 2004. Philadelphia also became only the third team to have its top two picks from a draft class earn first-team All-Pro recognition within their first two seasons on the same side of the ball.
NFL Top 100 Recognition in 2026
DeJean’s reputation continued to rise heading into the 2026 season. NFL players ranked him No. 38 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, an improvement from his No. 60 ranking in 2025.
The jump of 22 places reflects how quickly his standing around the league has changed. Philadelphia’s official profile describes him as a first-team All-Pro entering his third season, while the Eagles continue to feature him as a key member of their secondary.
Cooper DeJean’s Contract and Future With Philadelphia
Rookie Contract
DeJean remains under his original four-year rookie contract with Philadelphia. Spotrac lists the agreement as a $9.28 million deal covering the 2024 through 2027 seasons.
Because he was selected in the second round rather than the first, his contract follows the rookie structure associated with his draft position. His continued development and early All-Pro recognition could become significant factors when Philadelphia eventually evaluates his next contract.
What Comes Next?
At only 23 years old in 2026, DeJean has already accomplished considerably more than most players at a comparable stage of their careers. He has a Super Bowl victory, a Super Bowl touchdown, a Pro Bowl selection, first-team All-Pro honors and two appearances on the NFL Top 100 list.
His immediate challenge is maintaining that level while continuing to develop within Philadelphia’s defensive system. The Eagles entered the 2026 season with DeJean among the important young pieces in a secondary that also features fellow All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell.
FAQ About Cooper DeJean
Q: Who is Cooper DeJean?
A: Cooper DeJean is an American professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Iowa before Philadelphia selected him No. 40 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He became a first-team All-Pro slot cornerback after the 2025 season.
Q: How old is Cooper DeJean?
A: Cooper DeJean was born February 9, 2003, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is 23 years old during the 2026 NFL season.
Q: What team does Cooper DeJean play for?
A: DeJean plays defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was selected by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 40th overall pick and remains on the Eagles’ active roster entering the 2026 season.
Q: What are Cooper DeJean’s NFL stats?
A: Through the 2025 regular season, DeJean had played 32 games with 25 starts. NFL lists 144 combined tackles, 22 passes defended, two interceptions and 0.5 sacks. His 2025 season included 16 starts, two interceptions and 16 passes defended.
Q: Is Cooper DeJean an All-Pro?
A: Yes. DeJean was named a first-team Associated Press All-Pro following the 2025 season. He was selected at the slot cornerback position and also earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Conclusion
Cooper DeJean’s rise from a multi-sport Iowa high school athlete to a first-team NFL All-Pro has been remarkably fast. His college career established his reputation as a versatile defensive playmaker, while his first two seasons with Philadelphia showed that those skills could translate to the highest level.
His rookie season brought a Super Bowl championship and a memorable interception return touchdown. His sophomore campaign brought starting responsibility, a Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors. Now, entering the 2026 season, DeJean is regarded as one of the Eagles’ most important young defenders and has already climbed to No. 38 on the NFL Top 100. With his athleticism, instincts and versatility, his career remains one of the more intriguing young defensive stories in the NFL.
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