Coming off of an incredible rookie year that saw him become a Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles‘ cornerback Cooper DeJean held an autograph signing on Saturday, Feb. 15, at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store located in Wilmington, Delaware. In between the hordes of fans who came to see him, DeJean briefly addressed the media, reflecting on his unforgettable pick-six, the recent victory in Super Bowl LIX, and the support he’s felt from Philly fans.
Less than 24 hours after a parade celebrating a Super Bowl victory, there are certain — we’ll call them — logistical challenges that could temp one to avoid spending hours with hundreds, potentially a thousand-plus screaming fans under fluorescent lights while Scatman John inexplicably blarred throughout the store. Full credit to DeJean for not canceling or changing the details of his previously agreed appearance in any way and supporting the fans who have supported him throughout the season.
Meeting, greeting, and shaking hands with the masses, Cooper’s victory tour since coming back to Greater Philadelphia continued to be a roaring success.
Looking back on the year, DeJean began 2024 coming off a fractured fibula, which prematurely ended his final season in Iowa. From the lows of a season cut short to being drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming their starting slot corner, and playing a crucial role on the NFL’s top defense in his rookie season, it was quite the roller coaster of a year for the young defensive back but it all culminated on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Notable as both the day Super Bowl LIX would take place and Cooper DeJean’s 22nd birthday, the evening of Feb. 9 brought plenty of excitement for Philadelphia’s youngest Eagle. As if the appearance alone were not thrilling enough, DeJean made a landmark play in his career, his first interception, but this was no ordinary interception.
Few could construct a moment more exciting than picking off arguably the greatest player in NFL history and returning it for a touchdown en route to winning the Super Bowl on your birthday. Life is full of amazements that defy the odds, from the miracle of birth to the complexities of the human eye, and yet, what Cooper DeJean accomplished, considering the factors that played into the moment, is similarly awe-inspiring.
The Kansas City Chiefs were the favorites coming into the game and seemed to many to be only a few hours away from the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. Patrick Mahomes had never thrown a pick-six in any of his previous playoff appearances. The idea was completely alien, and yet, as they say, there’s a first time for everything.
Laying down the details around the moment, from the play to the opponent, the stage, and so on, Cooper DeJean discussed with Philly Sports Network the moment, how it ranked in his career, and how, as incredible it was, another moment that same night outshone it.
“Yeah, it’s up there, right? It was pretty awesome, a pretty awesome moment for me, for my team really. In that moment, me getting my first pick, in the Super Bowl, on my birthday. But then, winning the game as well. That was the best part about it, getting that Lombardi trophy.”
Since that moment, holding the Lombardi in his rookie season, life has moved quickly for DeJean. He returned to Philadelphia, took part in Philadelphia’s ultimate celebration, and then found himself the man of the hour as swarms of Eagles fans surrounded a sporting goods store just to meet him. It’s a lot of love DeJean has felt from the Philly Phaithful since his arrival, and not a moment of it has been lost on him.
“I felt welcomed ever since I got here. I love everybody in the city. I love how supportive they are, how much they care. I couldn’t imagine they’ll play getting play anywhere else.”
