Cooper DeJean
An Iowa-bred defensive weapon whose instinctive playmaking and Super Bowl heroics announced a versatile new star in the NFL.
Born 2003 (age 23)·American football player·Birthday: February 9·Generation Z
Biography
Cooper DeJean's path to professional stardom was forged in the heartland, where his multi-sport background in Iowa produced a uniquely athletic and intelligent football player. At the University of Iowa, he became the embodiment of the Hawkeyes' tough, opportunistic defense, a cornerback who could also dominate as a punt returner. His 2023 season was a masterpiece of game-changing plays, from interceptions to punt return touchdowns, earning him unanimous All-American honors. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, his rookie year was the stuff of dreams: he stepped into a contending team and immediately contributed, capping the season by returning an interception for a touchdown in Super Bowl LIX to help secure a championship. DeJean isn't just a defensive back; he's a football player in the purest sense, whose feel for the game and clutch performances have made him a central figure in Philadelphia's future.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Cooper was born in 2003, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cooper Was Born
The biggest hits of 2003
#1 Movie
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Best Picture
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
#1 TV Show
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Cooper's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2003Born
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2008Started school
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2016Became a teenager
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Could drive
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2021Could vote
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2024Turned 21
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 23 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Returned an interception for a touchdown in Super Bowl LIX, contributing to a Philadelphia Eagles victory as a rookie.
- Earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023 while playing for the University of Iowa.
- Scored three defensive touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns during his stellar 2023 college season.
- Was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (40th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Did You Know?
He was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school in Iowa, excelling in football, basketball, track, and baseball.
In a 2023 game, he returned a punt for a touchdown that was controversially called back due to an invalid fair catch signal, a moment that sparked national debate over NCAA rules.
He wore number 3 at Iowa, a number rarely given to defensive players, reflecting his special teams role.
His brother, Brady, is also a college football player at South Dakota State University.
“I'll play wherever they need me to help us win.”
