"I hope coming from where I come from, I inspire other kids back home from my community, we are a small town but if you put that work in, you can go as far as you want." Cooper DeJean Super Bowl Champion
From a small town in Iowa to NFL Super Star in his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cooper DeJean has shaken up the sports world with his high level of play by breaking the mold for cornerbacks in the league. Fresh off the Super Bowl Parade, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with the rookie defensive back as he reflects on his unbelievable season, turning stereotypes into success, proving doubters wrong and how his dream became his football reality.
A man of many NFL nicknames- the Caucasian Corner, Cooper DeJawn, One half of the Exciting Whites, but after his interception for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, Cooper DeJean is now a household name.
Growing up in Odebolt, Iowa, DeJean didn’t always see football as his future and thought basketball was his path until his on-field football skills became hard to ignore. Through hard work and sacrifice, Cooper shares how his upbringing molded him into the man he is today, how his parents' unwavering support led him to chase his NFL dream that has now made him a Super Bowl champion at just 22 year old.
Spinning the white cornerback stereotype into a movement, Cooper embraced his opportunity and at every turn continued to shut down opposing offenses and consistently led the defense with aggressive playmaking.
Going in-depth with the Eagles game plan to talking the guys through the team's mindset leading up to the big game, Cooper opens up on how Philadelphia prepared for victory while giving an inside perspective to the their decisive win over the defending champions, Kansas City Chiefs. He shares how the night before the game a certain energy filtrated the locker room from powerful speeches made by the veterans to the look of certainty in each of his teammates' eyes.
The bright lights and global stage of Super Bowl Sunday didn't cripple momentum but rather spurred more motivation as Cooper couldn't have scripted his birthday any better than picking off Patrick Mahomes and returning it for a touchdown to put the Eagles in control. Admittedly, Cooper shares how he didn't fully grasp the magnitude of the moment in real time and to him, he was just out there playing football like he's always done. He shares the unique leadership and focus of Quarterback Jalen Hurts and how Saquon Barkley helped guide him through his rookie year, pushing him to be the best version of himself every week.
The Philadelphia roster remains intact heading into the offseason which has the guys fired up to get back to ball and see what the future holds to defend their title. Cooper's humility keeps him grounded as he continues to be an example for his community back home that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. He shares some of the messages he received after his championship title including from fellow Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark, who despite rooting for Kansas City was beyond happy to congratulate her college friend.
Thank you to our friends at Crown Royal for delivering this episode and a reminder to our Pivot Family- Live Generously and life will treat you Royally. Visit @crownroyal on Instagram for special recipes and to learn more on the purple bag project. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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