The League Can’t Ignore Him Anymore — Cooper DeJean’s Rise Is Redefining What a Defensive Back Can Be.QQ

HILADELPHIA — Year two of his NFL career couldn’t hardly be going any better for Cooper DeJean. He’s second on his team in tackles, he’s toward the top of the NFC in pass breakups, and just halfway through the season he’s 5 tackles away from eclipsing his total from all of last season. “I’m seeing a lot more when I’m out there”, says DeJean. “Now I look at things and see things differently. To be able to see plays before they happen and make more plays on the ball and more tackles”.

And Cooper is routinely tasked with locking down the opponent’s best receiver. This past Sunday, the boy from Odebolt, Iowa held Justin Jefferson-one of the NFL’s best receivers, to only 5 catches. “I think that’s everybody’s mindset”, says DeJean. “Go against their best every single time. It’s definitely a lot of fun to be able to compete with those guys”.

Cooper still has his Iowa charms. He keeps his Super Bowl ring in a safe. His only extravagant purchase was a piece of land across from his parent’s home. And even with a growing legion of fans, there are no bigger supporters than Jason and Katie DeJean. “My parents make it to every single [game]. I don’t know how they do it”.

And like any proud Iowa alum, his focus on Saturdays always drifts back to Kinnick Stadium. “It’s Minnesota this week, right?” Cooper asks of the Hawkeye-Gopher rivalry. “I’ll be tuned into that one for sure”.