Cooper DeJean has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in the NFL. A versatile defensive back and electrifying punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles, DeJean’s journey from a small-town Iowa athlete to an NFL standout is a story of grit, versatility, and raw talent.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore his personal life, career milestones, financial details, and more.
Cooper DeJean Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cooper DeJean |
| Nickname | Coop, “The Swiss Army Knife” |
| Born | February 9, 2003 (Odebolt, Iowa) |
| Age (2025) | 22 years old |
| College | University of Iowa |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’0” (183 cm) |
| Weight | 198 lbs (90 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 (Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles, Round 2, Pick 40) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.5–$2 million |
| Salary (2025) | $1.21 million (base) |
| Relationship | Single (no public girlfriend) |
| @cooperdejean (488K followers) |
Early Career
Cooper DeJean grew up in Odebolt, Iowa, a town with fewer than 1,000 residents and no stoplights. A multi-sport star at OABCIG High School, he shattered records in football, basketball, baseball, and track.
As a quarterback and defensive back, he threw for 3,447 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior while rushing for 1,235 yards.
His athleticism earned him the 2021 All-American Bowl MVP title. Despite limited Division I offers, he chose Iowa over South Dakota State, opting to play defense under coach Kirk Ferentz.
College Dominance
At Iowa, DeJean became a defensive phenom. As a freshman (2021), he played special teams, but by 2022, he emerged as a starter, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
His 2023 season cemented his legacy: he scored touchdowns on interception returns and punt returns, earned Unanimous All-American honors, and won Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
A leg injury cut his final college season short, but his playmaking ability (7 career INTs, 3 TDs) made him a top NFL prospect.
NFL Rise
Drafted 40th overall in 2024 by the Philadelphia Eagles, DeJean quickly proved his versatility. As a rookie, he started 9 games, recording 51 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries.
He also shone as a punt returner, averaging 10 yards per return. His standout performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, solidifying his reputation as a dual-threat defensive asset.
Cooper DeJean’s Net Worth Details
Cooper DeJean’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5–$2 million as of 2025, primarily from his NFL contract and endorsements.
Contract and Salary Details
Cooper DeJean, a cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a four-year rookie contract in 2024 after being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft (40th overall pick). Below are the details of his contract:
Contract
- Duration: 4 years (2024–2027)
- Total Value: $9,283,622
- Signing Bonus: $3,571,724
- Guaranteed Amount: $5,831,021
- Average Annual Salary: $2,320,906
- Free Agent Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in 2028
Salary
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus Proration | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $795,000 | $892,931 | $1,687,931 | $5,831,021 |
| 2025 | $1,216,983 | $892,931 | $2,109,914 | $4,143,090 |
| 2026 | $1,638,966 | $892,931 | $2,531,897 | $2,033,176 |
| 2027 | $2,060,949 | $892,931 | $2,953,880 | $892,931 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Philadelphia | $4.36 million |
| 2025 | Philadelphia | $1.21 million |
| 2026 | Philadelphia | $1.63 million |
| 2027 | Philadelphia | $2.06 million |
| Total | $9.28 million |
Endorsements
Career Stats
2024 Rookie Season Stats
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Tackles (Solo) | 38 |
| Tackles (Assisted) | 13 |
| Sacks | 0.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Punt Return Yards | 211 (21 returns) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
DeJean’s punt return skills (10.0 avg.) and lockdown coverage earned him comparisons to All-Pro Jevon Holland. While he’s still refining his man-coverage technique, his zone instincts and tackling make him a cornerstone of Philly’s defense.
FAQs
1. What position does Cooper DeJean play in the NFL?
Cooper DeJean plays as a cornerback and punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his versatility, he excels in zone coverage and special teams, contributing tackles, interceptions, and dynamic punt returns. His athleticism and adaptability make him a key defensive asset.
2. When was Cooper DeJean drafted into the NFL?
DeJean was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Eagles traded up to acquire him, pairing him with first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell to bolster their secondary.
3. Where did Cooper DeJean play college football?
DeJean played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2021 to 2023. He earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023, won Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and set records as a return specialist before declaring for the NFL Draft after his junior season.
4. What are Cooper DeJean’s rookie-season stats?
In his 2024 rookie season, DeJean recorded 51 total tackles (38 solo), 0.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 6 pass deflections. He also returned 21 punts for 211 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability on defense and special teams.
5. How did Cooper DeJean perform in Super Bowl LIX?
On his 22nd birthday (February 9, 2025), DeJean played in Super Bowl LIX wearing custom cleats designed by NXT LVL Customs. The cleats featured his area code and Eagles jersey number, symbolizing his Iowa roots and Philadelphia connection.
6. What makes Cooper DeJean’s playing style unique?
DeJean combines elite ball skills, zone coverage instincts, and physical tackling. Scouts praise his spatial awareness, reaction time, and versatility to play cornerback, safety, or returner. His background in basketball and track enhances his agility and coordination on the field.
7. Where is Cooper DeJean from?
DeJean grew up in Odebolt, Iowa, a town with fewer than 1,000 residents. He attended OA-BCIG High School, where he starred as a quarterback and defensive back, setting school records in football and excelling in basketball, baseball, and track.
8. What awards did Cooper DeJean win in college?
At Iowa, DeJean earned 2023 unanimous All-American honors, Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year. He also won the 2022 Music City Bowl MVP after a standout performance with a 14-yard punt return and key defensive plays.
9. What is Cooper DeJean’s contract with the Eagles?
DeJean signed a four-year rookie contract worth $9.28 million, including a $3.57 million signing bonus. The deal averages $2.32 million annually, securing his role in Philadelphia’s defense through the 2027 season.
10. How did Cooper DeJean transition from high school to the NFL?
Despite limited college offers, DeJean chose Iowa over South Dakota State, shifting from quarterback to defense. His high school versatility—9,520 total yards and 132 touchdowns—laid the foundation for his NFL success as a defensive playmaker and return specialist.
