Cooper DeJean, ex-Iowa football star, returns interception for a touchdown in Super Bowl

Posted by author February 10, 2025 Football

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Hawk Central staff report
| Des Moines Register

Former Iowa football star Cooper DeJean, a rookie defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles, returned an interception for a touchdown in Sunday’s Super Bowl against Kansas City.

DeJean picked off a Patrick Mahomes pass and returned it 38 yards to give the Eagles a 17-0 lead in the game, which is being played in New Orleans. The play happened with 7:03 left in the second quarter.

It was DeJean’s first career NFL interception.

DeJean, who played at OABCIG High School in western Iowa, is also celebrating his 22nd birthday Sunday. He is the first player to score a Super Bowl touchdown on his birthday.

He’s had a strong rookie season with the Eagles, with 51 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one QB hit, six pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

Iowa fans knew what they had and would chant “Cooooooooop” every time he made a play or even when he went on the field as a punt returner wearing his No. 3 Hawkeye jersey. Now, the Philadelphia Eagles fans have taken the baton and roar “Cooooooooop” when DeJean dazzles in his No. 33.

After the NFC Championship Game, DeJean answered a question about defensive coordinator Vic Fangio by first giving props to his college defensive backs coach, Phil Parker – who once compared DeJean to Hawkeye legend Nile Kinnick.

“I wouldn’t be playing the way I am out there on the field with the confidence I do without those guys, all they’ve given me, what they’ve poured into me,” DeJean said.

Chad Leistikow contributed to this report.